Oman: OCCI eyes retail revival through events, investment push
At a meeting chaired by Hassan bin Jamea al Ishaq on Sunday, committee members reviewed plans to launch a specialised study in collaboration with a professional consultancy. The study will examine the root causes behind weak market activity and recommend practical measures to improve commercial performance across sectors.
The committee discussed plans for a series of sector-focused seminars targeting key areas of retail, including malls, traditional markets, clothing, jewellery, furniture, perfumes and cosmetics.
A proposal to develop a comprehensive national calendar of events and trade exhibitions was highlighted as a means to support retail growth.
'We are working to launch strategic initiatives that enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the retail sector in line with market and consumer expectations,' Ishaq said. 'Our approach is rooted in strong public-private partnerships and we are addressing ongoing sector challenges – such as electricity tariffs, direct import support for local companies and incentives to attract new investors.'
The committee is also working on regulatory improvements for e-commerce to better serve both businesses and consumers.
A key proposal discussed was hosting the Middle East Retail Expo in Oman. 'Such an event would elevate Oman's profile as a regional trading hub and strengthen ties between international investors and local businesses,' Ishaq said.
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Oman: Tamkeen & Sumo exhibition backs SME growth in Dhofar
Salalah – More than 75 small and medium enterprises from sectors including tourism, retail, food and beverage, and handicrafts are taking part in an exhibition called 'Tamkeen & Sumo', which opened in Salalah on Tuesday evening. Organised by the SME Committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the exhibition at Atina Land opened under the patronage of H H Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini al Said, Assistant Secretary-General for Conferences in Council of Ministers. The event will run till August 20. Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said the exhibition 'goes beyond a promotional platform' and offers 'a space for engagement and partnership building between SMEs and business sectors'. He added that Tamkeen & Sumo reflects the chamber's efforts to support SMEs as a core part of the national economy in line with Oman Vision 2040. 'Through this exhibition, we aim to enable SMEs to access new markets, explore cooperation and investment opportunities, and engage in knowledge exchange with entrepreneurs and support entities.' Sheikh Ahmed bin Amer al Musalhi, Chairman of the SME Committee, described the exhibition as 'an opportunity to promote SME products and services and boost their competitiveness in the local market'. He stressed that building business relations with private sector institutions is a key goal. 'We continue working to enhance SME participation in events and exhibitions, believing in their role in economic development, job creation and knowledge transfer,' he said. On the sidelines of the exhibition, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between OCCI's Social Investment Centre and the Business Development Centre, which owns the 'Hissaty' platform. The agreement aims to develop social investment tools that empower SME owners and align with Oman Vision 2040. According to organisers, the agreement is a strategic step towards fostering a culture of social investment within the business environment. The exhibition includes dedicated sections such as Entrepreneurs' Corner, Innovation Corner, Handicraft Workshops Corner and Junior Entrepreneur Corner. The latter showcases children's talent. It also features the Sohar International Competition to highlight brand identity and encourage creativity and excellence. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Zawya
Empowering SMEs: Sohar International sponsors Tamkeen and Summo Exhibition 2025
Muscat: Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to advancing Oman's entrepreneurial landscape and driving inclusive economic growth, Sohar International has assumed the role of Official and Exclusive Banking Sector Sponsor of the 'Tamkeen and Sumou' (Empowerment and Elevation) Exhibition for Small and Medium Enterprises. Organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), represented by the SME Committee, the exhibition is being held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini Al Said, Assistant Secretary General of the Council of Ministers for Conferences, and runs from 5 to 20 August 2025 in Dhofar Governorate. The event brings together more than 75 Omani SMEs from nine key economic sectors, including light manufacturing, technology and innovation, Omani handicrafts, tourism, and agriproducts such as honey and dates. It serves as a vital national platform for promoting local products, enhancing SME competitiveness, and facilitating direct engagement with private sector stakeholders all in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the bank's strategy to empower the private sector as a catalyst for sustainable development. Commenting on the bank's participation, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated: 'SMEs represent a vital force within any dynamic economy. Their capacity to innovate, stimulate domestic value chains, and respond swiftly to market needs contributes meaningfully to economic resilience. Our engagement in this exhibition is a reflection of our long-term dedication to empowering this segment; beyond offering impactful financial solutions, we prioritize opportunities that enhance visibility, strengthen capabilities, and support sustainable growth. Platforms such as these are integral to cultivating robust, future-ready enterprises that will ultimately steer Oman towards a more diversified and competitive economy.' As part of its active engagement, Sohar International has launched the 'Sohar International Competition for SMEs', aimed at elevating exhibition standards, encouraging innovation, and recognizing excellence. The competition features six categories Best Booth Design, Best Brand Identity, Best Visitor Engagement, Most Innovative Idea, Best Internal Organization and Layout, and the Audience Choice Award. Winners will be selected through a robust evaluation framework that rewards creativity, executional excellence, and public appeal. The exhibition also highlights the Chamber's ongoing efforts to enhance the business environment and provide the enablers necessary for SME sustainability. It underscores the importance of fostering market access, brand visibility, and strategic collaboration between SMEs and the broader private sector. Sohar International's partnership in this flagship event builds on its broader mandate to serve as an active enabler of SME development across all governorates by supporting platforms that inspire innovation, build commercial networks, and reinforce the competitiveness of Omani entrepreneurs in local and regional markets. About Sohar International With the vision to become a world-class Omani services company that helps customers, community and people to prosper and grow, Sohar International operates with a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, complementing their growth and prosperity with international standard service delivery. The Bank seeks to redefine banking in Oman through transformational developments centred on the principles of More Velocity, making everything simple and fast; More Value, ensuring relevance and connectivity to customers' world; and More Vision, liberating stakeholders through talented leadership.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Oman's vehicle registrations rise 5.5% to nearly 1.8mln
Muscat – The total number of registered vehicles in Oman reached 1,798,062 till the end of June this year, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Private vehicles made up the majority of registered vehicles, accounting for 79.3% with 1,425,308 units. Commercial vehicles followed at 14.7% (264,913), while rental vehicles represented 2.3% (41,386). The remainder included taxis, government vehicles, and other categories. White vehicles remained the most common on Omani roads, representing 42.3% of the total, or 761,358 vehicles. Silver was the second most popular colour at 12.9% (231,822), followed by grey with 181,140 registered vehicles. In terms of engine capacity, vehicles with engines between 1,500cc and 3,000cc comprised the largest share at 54.5% (979,300), while those with capacities between 3,001cc and 4,500cc made up 22.2% (399,770). Vehicles weighing under 3 tonnes formed the largest weight category, representing 90.7% of total registrations, or 1,631,392 vehicles. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
