OCCI hosts Ramadhan evenings on key economic issues
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is organising four Ramadhan evenings to address economic challenges and opportunities for the private sector. The sessions will feature officials, experts, and decision-makers discussing critical topics affecting businesses in Oman.
The annual Ramadhan evenings serve as a platform for dialogue between the private and public sectors, allowing business owners to present challenges, propose solutions, and explore policy changes in collaboration with relevant authorities. This year's discussions align with the Chamber's strategy to improve the business environment, attract investments, and foster economic diversification.
The sessions will cover:
March 10: The significance of Expo Japan 2025 for Oman's private sector, including participation objectives and potential economic benefits.
March 12: Labor market regulations, private sector contributions, and banking challenges for workers and employers.
March 17: The role of taxation in economic development, financial sustainability, and its impact on investments.
March 19: The economic value of local content, the national strategy for local content development, and its role in supporting SMEs.
By fostering discussions on these pressing issues, the Chamber aims to encourage innovation, raise awareness of policies, and support private sector growth. — ONA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Good news expected soon on India-Oman FTA: Minister
Muscat – India and Oman are close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with some 'good news' expected very soon regarding the signing of the deal, according to India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. As reported by several Indian media outlets on Monday, Goyal stated that negotiations between India and Oman on the proposed free trade agreement are progressing towards a conclusion. The talks gained renewed momentum following Goyal's visit to Muscat in January this year. The negotiations for the agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formally commenced in November 2023. 'I think you will see some good news very soon on the Oman FTA,' Goyal told reporters during his official visit to France, when asked whether the agreement could be concluded this year, according to PTI. Goyal was in France to hold discussions with French leaders and businesses aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties. He was also scheduled to attend a mini-ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Tuesday. Oman is India's third-largest export destination among the GCC countries. India already has a similar agreement in place with another GCC member, the United Arab Emirates, which came into effect in May 2022. India's key imports from Oman include petroleum products and urea, which together account for over 70% of total imports. Other significant imports from Oman comprise polymers of propylene and ethylene, petcoke, gypsum, chemicals, and iron and steel. Speaking about such FTAs, Goyal remarked that these agreements not only promote trade in goods and services, but also strengthen supply chains and instill confidence among businesses on both sides through stable policies and predictability, according to the PTI report. 'So, in a way, it's a big message when you conclude an FTA,' he added.
Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Omani businesses expand franchise footprint in Iraq
Muscat – Six Omani brands signed franchise and marketing agreements in Iraq during the second edition of Iraq Franchise Exhibition held in Baghdad from May 30 to June 2. The Omani delegation was led by Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and Chairman of its Franchise Programme. The participation was supported by OCCI through its Franchise Centre. Among the deals signed, Brothers of Silver, owned by Mohammed Qasim al Maamari, granted a franchise to Ibrahim Abdulhussein Yassin in Karbala. Seven Fries, owned by Issa bin Salih al Aghbari, signed with Mohammed Yawuz Mohammed in Kirkuk. Impasti, owned by Hajid bin Sulaiman al Khinjari, granted a franchise to Moamen Mohammed Al Khiayat in Mosul. Burger Gelato, owned by Haitham bin Saif al Habsi, signed two agreements – one with Saeed Tareq al Tai in Mosul and the other with Laith Sahib in Najaf. Thor & Forno, owned by Ammar bin Mahmood al Dhahli, signed with Abdulghafour al Abdali in Baghdad. Additionally, Abdullah bin Hamuod al Mahrouqi, owner of Chain, signed a marketing agreement in Oman for Iraqi brand Pizza Station with Samer al Hassami. Saadi said the agreements reflect continued efforts to expand Omani brands into regional markets, with Iraq seen as a promising destination. 'We are proud of what our brands have achieved and their readiness to grow regionally in line with international franchise standards.' He added that the expansion aligns with OCCI and its Franchise Centre's strategy to empower entrepreneurs, promote investment and facilitate market access. 'These agreements reflect increasing confidence in the quality of Omani products,' he said, affirming continued support for the franchise programme as part of national efforts to strengthen the economy and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Observer
28-05-2025
- Observer
Oman's presence at Expo Osaka to boost Japanese tourism
Undoubtedly, significant efforts have been made to ensure the country's participation in the international expo currently being held in Osaka, Japan. The expo began on April 13, 2025, and will continue until October 13, 2025. Several government agencies, along with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have contributed to the financial cost of sponsoring Oman's presence at this global event, which is held every five years. Several government delegations have also contributed to organizing the expo and made official visits. Recently, an Omani trade delegation from the Chamber participated in this expo and some of its important activities. The Sultanate of Oman has consistently participated in this international event since the nineties of the last century. Its first participation was at the Expo International Exhibition in Madrid, Spain, in 1992. The expo's theme was "The Global Age of Transportation," given the importance of transportation in bringing peoples together and driving human progress. The expo highlighted the transformation of transportation from ancient maritime routes to modern technology, while also showcasing countries' innovations in infrastructure, railways, aviation, and telecommunications. However, the Japan Expo, held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka, Japan, is expected to attract millions of visitors, providing a unique global platform bringing together more than 160 countries and international organizations. Government institutions and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry are keen to raise awareness of the importance of these international exhibitions. This requires organizing media trips to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of this event. This requires sending more media professionals to discuss this participation and its benefits at the national level, as well as ways to promote Japanese tourism to Oman in the coming years, given the large number of Japanese tourists who travel to various countries around the world annually. Japanese tourists are among the most organized and detail-oriented, and these traits are reflected in their spending patterns and preferred destinations. The average tourist from Japan spends on tourism for example, in Indonesia, around $1,462 per visit in 2022, and approximately $1,300 per visit to cities in the United States. Japanese tourists stay for extended periods, typically about two weeks in the United States, more than 18 days in France, 12 days in Indonesia, and five days in Korea. Now with direct flights between some Gulf cities, such as Dubai and Doha, and other cities in the region, attracting Japanese tourism has become easier. However, it requires companies that can convince the Japanese public to make these visits to Oman, for example. Japanese tourists also prefer group trips, especially older travelers, due to their need for rest and organization, while young people are also eager to experience unique experiences. In general, such international exhibitions provide a great opportunity for countries to promote their national identity and build their image by showcasing their cultures and creativity, which contributes to strengthening their image on the international stage. Through this participation, Oman will work to foster greater cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and benefiting from future innovations and technologies. This presence at Expo Japan represents a strategic opportunity to enhance its international presence, expand economic and cultural relations, and contribute to building a sustainable and interconnected future, in addition to significantly promoting Japanese tourism to the country. HAIDER AL LAWATI The writer is a Muscat-based economic analyst who previously worked for CBO and OCCI
