Latest news with #Khimji
Campaign ME
05-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Medialinks partners with Samsonite to accelerate digital growth in Saudi Arabia
Medialinks, a Dubai-based performance marketing agency, has partnered with global luggage brand Samsonite to spearhead their digital performance campaigns in Saudi Arabia. Zeeshan Sajid Amin, Founder C Head of Growth at Medialinks, commented, 'We are excited to collaborate with Samsonite to drive their digital growth in Saudi Arabia. Our data-driven approach and deep understanding of the regional market will be instrumental in achieving their ambitious goals.' Khimji, a Saudi partner, will also join in this collaboration, assisting with on-ground activations. This collaboration aims to enhance the two brands, Samsonite and American Tourister's, online presence and e-commerce reach within the Kingdom. Alina Hassan – E-commerce Manager at Samsonite, will work closely with the Medialinks team to ensure alignment and execution of strategic digital initiatives. Together, they aim to drive measurable results, optimise customer engagement, and strengthen sales volumes. Hassan commented, 'Saudi Arabia is a priority market for us, and we're thrilled to have Medialinks as our performance partner. Their local expertise and focus on outcomes are exactly what we need to scale our digital presence while delivering value to our customers.' The Saudi Arabian luggage market is experiencing significant growth, with the suitcase and briefcase segment projected to reach USD 734.1 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.9 per cent from 2022 to 2028. This growth is driven by increased travel and tourism, evolving consumer preferences for premium and durable luggage, and a robust rise in e-commerce activity. This partnership highlights the growing importance of performance marketing in capturing the attention of digitally engaged consumers and tapping into the Kingdom's booming travel and lifestyle sector.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman and Tanzania deepen trade ties at Advantage Oman Forum
MUSCAT: Oman and Tanzania have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and laid the groundwork for deeper trade and economic collaboration during a key meeting held on the sidelines of the Advantage Oman Forum. Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation in Oman, met with the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade of Tanzania to explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation. The discussions reflected a shared vision to strengthen economic ties and build on centuries-old historical relations rooted in maritime trade and cultural exchange. 'The diverse resources and vibrant markets of Tanzania present a wealth of opportunities for Omani businesses. Together, we can unlock new avenues for growth that will benefit both nations,' said Khimji, expressing optimism about forging a joint framework for cooperation. The Tanzanian delegation voiced strong interest in enhancing trade with Oman, aligning with Muscat's strategic ambition to become a regional hub for trade and investment. Talks focused on several key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing—areas both sides see as engines for economic diversification and sustainable development. This meeting marks a new chapter in Oman-Tanzania relations, reflecting mutual respect and a commitment to shared prosperity. The Advantage Oman Forum once again showcased Oman's proactive approach to building global partnerships and opening new doors for economic collaboration.
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
F1 dreams take centre stage at Oman's sports economy talks
MUSCAT: A bold call to position Oman as a future host of Formula One (F1) dominated the latest Tejarah Talks on Monday, where top sports and events leaders outlined a compelling roadmap to unlock the country's sports economy potential. With global case studies, local success stories, and a shared vision for iconic sporting events, the session spotlighted how Oman can accelerate its rise as a premier destination in the $2.65 trillion global sports industry. Oman must dream big and think bold — and that includes aiming to one day host a Formula One Grand Prix. That was the unifying message from panellists at the latest edition of Tejarah Talks, where leaders from across Oman's sports and events sectors shared a compelling vision for the country's sports economy. Held under the theme 'Game On: The Potential of Oman's Sports Economy', the 90-minute dialogue featured Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP); Joe Rafferty, Events Director at Oman Sail; and Ali al Ajmi, CEO of Sabco Sports. All three panelists agreed: Oman should consider becoming a future host of Formula One — and start planning now. 'Oman has already proven its capabilities by hosting global events. Hosting Formula One should be a serious aspiration,' said Khimji, who also serves as Oman Cricket President. 'Whether it's a city circuit along the Muscat Corniche, like Monaco or Jeddah, or a purpose-built track at Sultan Haitham City, the potential is there. I would love to see F1 in Oman.' Khimji cited Oman Cricket's achievements as a successful case study of sport-led economic development. With an investment of just $1.3 million over five years, Oman Cricket has generated more than $5 million in in-country value through hosting international tournaments — driving gains in tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure. Highlighting the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, partially staged in Oman, he revealed that the event attracted 167 million global viewers, clocking a staggering 112 billion viewing minutes. In remarks to Times of Oman, Khimji added: 'Oman is now among the top 20 cricket nations. We are the only Associate nation to have played in three T20 World Cups, and our Test-accredited venue is even being considered to host Afghanistan's Test matches.' Khimji also proposed creating an annual iconic sports event that could anchor Oman's sporting calendar and boost international visibility. 'Just one event, hosted every year, can transform how the world sees Oman,' he said. Ali al Ajmi shared plans to further engage the nation through technology. 'Sabco Sports is set to launch the country's first dedicated sports app that will centralise all sporting activities. It's going to be a game-changer in how Omanis interact with sports at all levels.' Joe Rafferty from Oman Sail stressed the importance of building a comprehensive ecosystem to support Oman's sports economy. 'We already host world-class events. But now we need greater collaboration and a stronger infrastructure to move to the next level.' Rafferty also pointed to Oman's human capital as its greatest strength. 'The power of the people is Oman's biggest asset. With the right support and coordination, we can build something truly world-class.' The panel strongly agreed that developing a culture of sport must begin in schools. Khimji emphasised the need to introduce a structured sports curriculum, ensuring that sport becomes an integral part of growing up in Oman. He spoke about a pilot programme, conducted by Oman Cricket, which introduced over 700 Omani children aged 8–12 to organised cricket over four semesters — a powerful example of how early exposure can spark long-term engagement. 'We must start young, build infrastructure, and develop the mindset. Sports must be seen as a viable career and a national asset,' Khimji said. Ajmi and Rafferty echoed this, with Rafferty adding: 'If we want to be world-class in the future, we need to embed sport in everyday life — starting with schools.' The panellists also noted that sport can bring wide-ranging societal benefits — from reducing healthcare costs to strengthening community bonds — and called for a national strategy that integrates infrastructure, talent development, and public-private partnerships. Organised by the Oman Business Forum in collaboration with MoCIIP, and supported by MHD, Nortal, Invest Oman Lounge, and Oman FM, the session explored not only the trillion-dollar global sports economy but how Oman's unique landscape, and youthful population can position it as a sought-after sports destination.
Observer
17-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman establishes strategic trade centre to boost global market access
Muscats: In a bold step to elevate Oman's global trade position and deepen its international economic partnerships, the Sultanate of Oman has established the Centre for Strategic Partnerships and Foreign Trade. The center, formed under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the Cabinet, will play a central role in unlocking foreign markets for Omani exports, removing trade barriers, and revitalizing key international agreements. Speaking exclusively to Oman Observer, Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), emphasized the centre's strategic mission: 'This centre gives Oman the capacity to negotiate better market access in jurisdictions where access is currently restricted. Reducing both tariff and non-tariff barriers is crucial to enabling the free flow of Omani products and services abroad,' said Khimji. At a time when global trade is increasingly shaped by regional blocs and strategic alliances, Oman's proactive approach aims to secure favorable trade terms and enhance the competitiveness of its non-oil exports. The centre also aims to revive and modernize existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and initiate new negotiations with strategic trading partners. In parallel, Oman will strengthen its engagement with key multilateral institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), UNIDO, OECD, and UNCTAD. 'Our FTAs need to be reactivated at a different level. We're not just talking about trade; we're talking about encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI), expanding export volumes, and building long-term partnerships,' Khimji noted. Looking ahead, Khimji highlighted the importance of aligning the center's work with Oman Vision 2040. The next five years will focus on attracting FDI into high-potential verticals, including metals, manufacturing, and industrial exports. 'We've identified three to four key verticals where Oman can truly become an export-oriented hub. We are already on solid regulatory footing, and our focus now should be on creating a business environment that welcomes investors and supports product clusters for export,' he added. Khimji stressed that Oman's regulatory frameworks are now more investor-friendly, providing a foundation for industrial diversification and integration into global value chains.
