Latest news with #NasraAlHabsi
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's industrial exports rise 8.6% to over $4bln in Q1
Muscat – Oman's industrial exports rose sharply by 8.6% during the first quarter of 2025, reaching RO1.618bn, compared to RO1.49bn during the same period in 2024, according to the latest statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The NCSI data indicated that Omani industrial exports have experienced significant expansion across several regional markets, reflecting the growing presence of Oman's industrial sector on the regional trade map. Saudi Arabia recorded a robust 28.3% increase in its imports of Omani industrial products, reaching RO259mn – highlighting the strong economic ties between the two countries and the increasing demand for Omani goods in the Saudi market. In a statement to the Oman News Agency, Mazin bin Humaid al Siyabi, Assistant Director General of the Directorate General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, explained that the rapid growth in Omani industrial exports in recent months represents tangible evidence of the success of the ministry's industrial policies. 'These policies focus on diversifying export markets, improving production efficiency, enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products, achieving economic diversification goals, and building a resilient industrial base capable of adapting to global changes,' he said. Commenting on the growing trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia, Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the rise in trade between the two countries is a direct result of sustained bilateral cooperation and reflects the increasing economic integration across various sectors. She explained that the Economy, Trade and Industry Committee, an offshoot of the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council, has been committed, since its inception, to addressing trade-related challenges, standardising customs procedures, facilitating land transit at border crossings, and electronically linking the trade systems of both countries. 'These efforts have significantly contributed to improving the flow of goods and services and boosting commercial traffic through the Rub' al-Khali border crossing, which has become one of the key emerging arteries of trade between the two nations.' Nasra added that Saudi Arabia has become Oman's second-largest trading partner in the Gulf, amid rising aspirations for deeper industrial and commercial integration in the near future. She noted that Oman welcomes increased Saudi investment, particularly in special economic zones and free zones, which offer advanced infrastructure and competitive investment incentives. This is in line with the alignment of the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030. Siyabi highlighted that recent months have seen increased momentum in coordination and engagement between industrial sector officials in both countries. This has been reflected in a series of meetings, mutual visits, specialised workshops, and networking events for investors and entrepreneurs. He added that these initiatives have directly contributed to expanding areas of industrial cooperation, particularly in priority sectors such as manufacturing, advanced technologies, and supply chains. He pointed out that this new dynamism in industrial relations reflects the alignment of strategic visions between Oman and Saudi Arabia, adding that the shared emphasis on developing the industrial sector as a cornerstone of economic diversification is a promising strategy – one whose results are already evident in the growth of Omani industrial exports to Saudi Arabia and other regional markets. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman implements anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain tile imports from China, India
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion announced that starting May 29, anti-dumping duties will take effect at all customs entry points in Oman on ceramic and porcelain tile imports originating from or exported by China and India. The decision is part of the unified anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures law adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council. Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry and a member of the Permanent Committee for Combating Harmful Practices in International Trade for GCC states, explained that the decision was based on complaints filed by Gulf-based ceramic and porcelain tile manufacturers, alleging that imports from China and India were being dumped into local markets. She stated that the GCC Secretariat, through its technical office, initiated an investigation into the complaints with the participation of all relevant parties. The investigation and related procedures lasted over 12 months, from the announcement of the probe until official notifications were issued to enforce the measures. Following the findings, technical reports were submitted to the GCC Permanent Committee and the Industrial Cooperation Committee, which ultimately decided to impose anti-dumping duties for five years. Ahmed bin Salem Al Rasbi, Director General at the Center for Competition and Anti-Monopoly at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, highlighted that the decisions issued by the GCC's Permanent Committee for Combating Harmful Trade Practices, based on the Gulf unified trade law, represent a strategic step toward maintaining a fair and competitive trade environment within GCC markets. These measures ensure protection for domestic industries against harmful dumping practices. He stressed that imposing anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain tile imports from China and India is a vital step to safeguard the local market from price distortions caused by imported products sold at unfair prices that do not reflect actual production costs. He added that these measures will enhance the ability of local producers to compete, improve quality, and expand production lines, positively impacting industrial performance, employment rates, and price stability between domestic and imported products. Al Rasbi noted that these regulations will provide long-term benefits to consumers, offering greater choices and higher quality by encouraging local investments while preventing monopolistic risks that could arise from domestic industry withdrawal. He described these measures as part of a broader framework designed to protect both the market and consumers. Meanwhile, Khalid bin Issa Al Amri, Director General of Consumer Services and Market Surveillance at the Consumer Protection Authority, stated that the authority is closely monitoring the implementation of the anti-dumping duty decision on ceramic and porcelain tiles imported from China and India. He affirmed that the authority has established a clear plan to track and analyse the pricing of these imported products and is intensifying periodic inspection campaigns at retail outlets specializing in their sale, ensuring market price stability. Al Amri emphasized that the Consumer Protection Authority will take strict legal action against violators, applying existing regulations and laws. He urged suppliers to comply with trade laws and encouraged consumers to report any observed violations in local markets through official communication channels. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
24-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman implements anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain tile imports from China, India
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion announced that starting May 29, anti-dumping duties will take effect at all customs entry points in Oman on ceramic and porcelain tile imports originating from or exported by China and India. The decision is part of the unified anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures law adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council. Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry and a member of the Permanent Committee for Combating Harmful Practices in International Trade for GCC states, explained that the decision was based on complaints filed by Gulf-based ceramic and porcelain tile manufacturers, alleging that imports from China and India were being dumped into local markets. She stated that the GCC Secretariat, through its technical office, initiated an investigation into the complaints with the participation of all relevant parties. The investigation and related procedures lasted over 12 months, from the announcement of the probe until official notifications were issued to enforce the measures. Following the findings, technical reports were submitted to the GCC Permanent Committee and the Industrial Cooperation Committee, which ultimately decided to impose anti-dumping duties for five years. Ahmed bin Salem Al Rasbi, Director General at the Center for Competition and Anti-Monopoly at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, highlighted that the decisions issued by the GCC's Permanent Committee for Combating Harmful Trade Practices, based on the Gulf unified trade law, represent a strategic step toward maintaining a fair and competitive trade environment within GCC markets. These measures ensure protection for domestic industries against harmful dumping practices. He stressed that imposing anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain tile imports from China and India is a vital step to safeguard the local market from price distortions caused by imported products sold at unfair prices that do not reflect actual production costs. He added that these measures will enhance the ability of local producers to compete, improve quality, and expand production lines, positively impacting industrial performance, employment rates, and price stability between domestic and imported products. Al Rasbi noted that these regulations will provide long-term benefits to consumers, offering greater choices and higher quality by encouraging local investments while preventing monopolistic risks that could arise from domestic industry withdrawal. He described these measures as part of a broader framework designed to protect both the market and consumers. Meanwhile, Khalid bin Issa Al Amri, Director General of Consumer Services and Market Surveillance at the Consumer Protection Authority, stated that the authority is closely monitoring the implementation of the anti-dumping duty decision on ceramic and porcelain tiles imported from China and India. He affirmed that the authority has established a clear plan to track and analyse the pricing of these imported products and is intensifying periodic inspection campaigns at retail outlets specializing in their sale, ensuring market price stability.
Times of Oman
06-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Commerce Ministry marks World Intellectual Property Day 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the Royal Opera House Muscat, and the Oman Music Center, organized a celebration marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025 under the theme 'Intellectual Property and Music: Feeling the Rhythm of Creativity." The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting creative works and fostering innovation. This year's theme highlighted music as a universal language that reflects cultural identity and unites people, while also being an industry built on intellectual property rights deserving of protection and support. Nasra Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, emphasized that World Intellectual Property Day serves as an opportunity to enhance public awareness of intellectual property rights as a pillar of sustainable development. She noted that IP rights—including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, and geographical indications—contribute to improving the business environment and advancing societies. Al Habsi pointed out that intellectual property in music extends beyond composing melodies and lyrics, encompassing performance recordings, album designs, and distribution methods, all of which require a fair legal protection framework. She stressed that proper licensing for the use of musical works is a key tool in safeguarding artists' rights, ensuring they receive fair compensation when their work is used in films, advertisements, games, and public performances. The celebration featured live musical performances by Omani talents, alongside workshops from participating institutions that addressed the challenges creators face in protecting their work. Discussions also covered the role of legislation and modern technologies in tracking rights and ensuring fair usage. Interactive sessions explored how intellectual property supports the music industry and raises awareness among creators. The Ministry, represented by the National Intellectual Property Office, reported that 24,800 trademark examination requests were processed in 2024, while trademark filings rose to 14,100, up from 13,400 in 2023—a 5% increase. Registered trademarks reached 6,900, compared to 7,700 the previous year. Copyright applications saw a notable rise, with 175 submissions in 2024 versus 143 in 2023. Industrial design applications surged by 115%, totaling 43 in 2024, compared to 20 in 2023, while national patent applications increased to 127, up from 100 in 2023. Oman, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), continues to promote respect for intellectual property rights through awareness programs, specialized seminars, workshops, and community initiatives targeting creators, inventors, and authors across various fields. The event was attended by Dr. Saleh Said Massan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, along with artists, musicians, inventors, and representatives from intellectual property offices.
