Oman-East Africa Business Conference kicks off
Muscat: The Oman-East Africa Business Conference and the East Africa Trade and the Investment Expo 'ITEX 2025' began on Monday.
Organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in collaboration with Global Digital Technologies Company, the events are held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Thuwaini Saif Al Said.
The conference aims to strengthen regional economic ties, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, investors, and trade representatives from East African nations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, and Rwanda, alongside the Sultanate of Oman.
More than 20 economic experts are participating, while over 30 companies from Oman and East Africa are showcasing the latest technologies, solutions, and services in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, manufacturing, and technology at the accompanying exhibition.
The conference explores cooperation opportunities in key sectors, including trade and investment, sustainable development and renewable energy, fintech and digital transformation, infrastructure and logistics, agribusiness and food security, education and human capital development, and innovation.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the OCCI Board of Directors, stated that this conference represents a strategic opportunity to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Oman and East African nations. He emphasised that hosting this event reflects the Chamber's deep belief in the importance of building effective regional partnerships that support sustainable development and open new avenues for collaboration in vital and promising sectors.
In his speech, Al Rowas noted that Oman's historical ties with Africa run deep, with centuries-old cultural and commercial links between Oman and East Africa. These connections have fostered trade, knowledge exchange, and strong human and economic relationships, forming a solid foundation for joint cooperation. He affirmed that these ties are now entering a new phase of growth and integration, driven by a shared vision for a common economic future and led by the private sector on both sides.
For his part, Faiz Mohammed Al Shukaili, CEO of Global Digital Technologies Company, stated that organizing the Oman-East Africa Business Conference and ITEX 2025 expo comes at a crucial time, reflecting Oman's commitment to deepening regional economic integration with East Africa. He described the conference as a vital opportunity to explore new horizons for cooperation and partnership, gathering in one platform many top government officials, business leaders, investors, and decision-makers from key sectors.
Al Shukaili added that the conference marks the beginning of a more prosperous phase in Oman-East Africa partnerships, serving as a strategic platform for direct economic dialogue and exploring investment opportunities in sectors critical to sustainable development. These opportunities will enhance private sector engagement, facilitate consensus-building, and lead to tangible commercial and investment projects.
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