Latest news with #MOCIIP
Muscat Daily
24-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman imposes anti-dumping duties on ceramic tiles from China and India
Muscat – Oman's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has announced that anti-dumping duties will be enforced at all customs ports across the sultanate on imports of ceramic and porcelain tiles originating in, or exported from, China and India, effective from May 29. The decision falls within the framework of the Unified Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard Measures of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MOCIIP and a member of the GCC's Permanent Committee for Combating Harmful Practices in International Trade, explained that the decision follows complaints from the Gulf's ceramic and porcelain tile industry regarding alleged dumping of such products from China and India into GCC markets. In a statement to Oman News Agency, she stated that the GCC General Secretariat, through its designated technical office, initiated a comprehensive investigation into the complaint, involving all relevant parties. 'The investigation and its associated procedures continued for over 12 months, from the announcement of its commencement to the communication with competent authorities for implementation. The investigation findings and technical reports were submitted to the Permanent Committee and the Industrial Cooperation Committee, which issued the final decision to impose anti-dumping duties for a period of five years.' Ahmed bin Salem al Rasbi, Director General of the Competition and Anti-Monopoly Centre at MOCIIP, said that the decision by the GCC's Permanent Committee, based on the Unified Gulf Law, represents a strategic step towards fostering a fair and competitive trading environment across GCC markets, and ensuring the protection of national industries from injurious dumping practices. He emphasised that imposing anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain tile imports from China and India is essential to protecting the local market from price distortions caused by products entering at unfair prices that do not reflect true production costs. He noted that the decision would enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers, improve product quality, and expand production capacity, thereby positively impacting industrial performance and employment, while contributing to a balanced pricing structure between domestic and imported goods. He added that these measures also offer long-term benefits to consumers by encouraging local investment and mitigating the risk of monopolies that could arise from the decline of domestic industries. The decision, he said, represents an integrated approach to protecting both the market and the consumer. Khalid bin Issa al Amri, Director General of the Directorate General of Consumer Services and Market Control at the Public Authority for Consumer Protection, confirmed that the Authority is actively monitoring the implementation of the anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain tile imports from China and India. He said the Authority is operating under a clear plan to track and survey the prices of imported tiles from the two countries and has intensified periodic inspection campaigns at stores specialising in these products, to ensure price stability in local markets. He stressed that the Authority will not hesitate to take legal action against violators and will address any infringements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. He also urged suppliers to comply with all relevant legislation and called on consumers to report any improper commercial practices.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Over 400 firms penalised in Oman for hidden trade
Muscat - The National Team for Combating Illicit Trade (NTT) has conducted audits of 581 commercial companies in three main governorates: Muscat, Dhofar, and North Al Batinah as part of the ongoing efforts to combat hidden trade and enhance the business environment. These efforts resulted in the issuance of administrative penalties to 410 violating establishments. Meanwhile, 77 companies complied with the audit requirements by submitting the necessary documents, such as bank statements and lease contracts, bringing the response rate to 13.2 percent. These governorates were selected based on the high density of commercial records. Muscat Governorate has 20,244, North Al Batinah 16,094, and Dhofar 16,094. Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) and Head of the National Taskforce for Illicit Trade, confirmed that the campaign aims to combat hidden trade and promote economic integrity by combating the misuse of licenses and various professions, in addition to raising confidence in the economic system and increasing tax revenues. She explained that the number of activities subject to monitoring reached 106, including those prohibited to foreign investment (except 20 activities), in addition to some service activities such as dental clinics and pharmacies, provided that the company has been established for five years. Activities exempted from the ban include sectors such as tailoring, vehicle repair, hairdressing, laundry, flower sales, and pet care services. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has urged all institutions and commercial companies to open a bank account in one of the licensed banks in the Sultanate of Oman. This is mandatory as per the Commercial Companies Law issued by Royal Decree 18/2019 and its executive regulations issued by Ministerial Decision 146/2021 and Ministerial Decision 412/2023 regarding combating hidden trade. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCII) also stresses the need for all commercial institutions and companies to commit to opening a bank account in one of the banks licensed to operate in the Sultanate, as per the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law and ministerial decisions to combat hidden trade 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
03-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Over 400 firms penalised in Oman for hidden trade
Muscat - The National Team for Combating Illicit Trade (NTT) has conducted audits of 581 commercial companies in three main governorates: Muscat, Dhofar, and North Al Batinah as part of the ongoing efforts to combat hidden trade and enhance the business environment. These efforts resulted in the issuance of administrative penalties to 410 violating establishments. Meanwhile, 77 companies complied with the audit requirements by submitting the necessary documents, such as bank statements and lease contracts, bringing the response rate to 13.2 percent. These governorates were selected based on the high density of commercial records. Muscat Governorate has 20,244, North Al Batinah 16,094, and Dhofar 16,094. Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) and Head of the National Taskforce for Illicit Trade, confirmed that the campaign aims to combat hidden trade and promote economic integrity by combating the misuse of licenses and various professions, in addition to raising confidence in the economic system and increasing tax revenues. She explained that the number of activities subject to monitoring reached 106, including those prohibited to foreign investment (except 20 activities), in addition to some service activities such as dental clinics and pharmacies, provided that the company has been established for five years. Activities exempted from the ban include sectors such as tailoring, vehicle repair, hairdressing, laundry, flower sales, and pet care services. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has urged all institutions and commercial companies to open a bank account in one of the licensed banks in the Sultanate of Oman. This is mandatory as per the Commercial Companies Law issued by Royal Decree 18/2019 and its executive regulations issued by Ministerial Decision 146/2021 and Ministerial Decision 412/2023 regarding combating hidden trade. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCII) also stresses the need for all commercial institutions and companies to commit to opening a bank account in one of the banks licensed to operate in the Sultanate, as per the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law and ministerial decisions to combat hidden trade
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘Oman puts investors in direct contact with decision-makers'
Muscat: Oman underscored its commitment to accelerating private sector growth and simplifying investment procedures on Monday during the second day of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) through Invest Oman. Addressing international investors and delegates, Ibtisam Al Farooji, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion at MOCIIP, highlighted the government's drive to open up strategic sectors through transparency, fast-tracked facilitation, and direct engagement with policymakers. 'We open the doors to Oman's most strategic and future-focused sectors, and you will meet the senior government officials directly shaping their development," Al Farooji said. "From renewable energy and green hydrogen to advanced manufacturing, logistics, digital technologies, sustainable tourism, and fisheries —you'll discover where Oman's priorities meet global demand. Each of these sectors is underpinned by strong fundamentals — whether it's natural endowment, competitive cost structures, or long-term national planning through Oman Vision 2040," she added. She further emphasised the government's reform-driven approach. "Through the efforts of Invest Oman and our network of partners, we have streamlined procedures, cut red tape, and introduced targeted incentives designed to move from interest to investment — swiftly and transparently. We understand that certainty and access are essential. That is why today's format is direct. You are meeting the decision-makers. This includes officials from our free and special economic zones, our development funds, and line ministries — alongside key representatives from the private sector," she said. The day featured focused Government-to-Business (G2B) sessions, giving investors unprecedented access to senior officials and industry leaders across Oman's most promising sectors, including clean energy, logistics, digital innovation, tourism, and fisheries. The signing of a $565 million clean energy manufacturing agreement with JA Solar further demonstrated the Forum's ability to translate discussions into tangible outcomes, reinforcing Oman's proactive strategy to attract high-impact global investments. As the Forum's official sessions concluded, many visiting CEOs and delegates are set to embark on site visits across Oman, exploring key investment hubs and cultural landmarks to experience firsthand the country's unique blend of economic opportunity and heritage. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
28-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
‘Oman puts investors in direct contact with decision-makers'
Muscat: Oman underscored its commitment to accelerating private sector growth and simplifying investment procedures on Monday during the second day of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) through Invest Oman. Addressing international investors and delegates, Ibtisam Al Farooji, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion at MOCIIP, highlighted the government's drive to open up strategic sectors through transparency, fast-tracked facilitation, and direct engagement with policymakers. 'We open the doors to Oman's most strategic and future-focused sectors, and you will meet the senior government officials directly shaping their development," Al Farooji said. "From renewable energy and green hydrogen to advanced manufacturing, logistics, digital technologies, sustainable tourism, and fisheries —you'll discover where Oman's priorities meet global demand. Each of these sectors is underpinned by strong fundamentals — whether it's natural endowment, competitive cost structures, or long-term national planning through Oman Vision 2040," she added. She further emphasised the government's reform-driven approach. "Through the efforts of Invest Oman and our network of partners, we have streamlined procedures, cut red tape, and introduced targeted incentives designed to move from interest to investment — swiftly and transparently. We understand that certainty and access are essential. That is why today's format is direct. You are meeting the decision-makers. This includes officials from our free and special economic zones, our development funds, and line ministries — alongside key representatives from the private sector," she said. The day featured focused Government-to-Business (G2B) sessions, giving investors unprecedented access to senior officials and industry leaders across Oman's most promising sectors, including clean energy, logistics, digital innovation, tourism, and fisheries. The signing of a $565 million clean energy manufacturing agreement with JA Solar further demonstrated the Forum's ability to translate discussions into tangible outcomes, reinforcing Oman's proactive strategy to attract high-impact global investments.
