Latest news with #TradePartnerships
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Omani Commercial Office opens in United States
Washington- Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) inaugurated the Omani Commercial Office in the United States during a ceremony held at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., under the patronage of Talal Sulaiman Al Rahbi, Oman's Ambassador to the United States. The office aims to support Omani exports to the U.S. market, enhance imports of high-quality American goods, attract U.S. investments to Oman, and enable Omani companies to expand into American markets while fostering trade partnerships. Additionally, the office will play a pivotal role in coordinating trade delegations, organizing business meetings, and providing advisory services on leveraging the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It will also supply economic reports to aid decision-making in Omani exports and mutual investments. Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of OCCI's Board of Directors, stated that the opening of the office marks a strategic step in empowering Oman's private sector and strengthening its presence in global markets. He emphasized that the move aligns with OCCI's efforts to broaden trade and investment horizons while establishing direct channels with major global economies. Al Rowas added that the office is expected to boost Omani exports, attract high-value investments, and serve as an effective platform for business engagement between the two nations. It will also facilitate access to regulatory information for Omani products entering the U.S. market, supporting private sector growth and sustainable economic development. He noted that the office will act as a knowledge hub, offering practical solutions to sustain Omani and American businesses while fostering international partnerships. This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 goals to diversify the economy and enhance global economic integration. On her turn, Ibtisam Ahmed Al Farooji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, highlighted that the office reflects Oman's strategic focus on increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and their contribution to the national economy. She stressed that the office will provide American companies greater access to Oman's competitive business environment, noting that it is part of Oman's broader plan to expand its overseas representation in key markets. The U.S. market, she added, is vital for Oman, particularly under the FTA, which offers trade facilitations and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, Ambassador Talal Al Rahbi described the office as a milestone in Oman-U.S. trade relations, rooted in a 200-year history of cooperation. He emphasized its role in economic diplomacy and expanding Oman's global trade network, calling it a direct bridge for business communities in both countries—especially in sectors like industry, technology, and clean energy. On her turn, Ana Escrogima, U.S. Ambassador to Oman, affirmed that the office underscores the advanced economic ties between the two nations. She described it as a new economic bridge offering mutual benefits and enhancing private sector competitiveness. Saud Ahmed Al Nahari, OCCI Board Member, stated that the office will help Omani companies navigate the U.S. market through tailored support, joint economic events, and data-driven insights. Zakariya Abdullah Al Saadi, OCCI's CEO, said that the office institutionalizes Oman's external economic outreach, improving export competitiveness in dynamic markets. Meanwhile, Amy Hahn, Director of the Omani Commercial Office in the U.S., outlined its digital platform as an integrated hub offering analytics, reliable data, and sector-specific resources. The office will also launch two strategic programs: a Business Assistance Program for specialized consultations and a Business Accelerator Program for targeted entrepreneurs over the next two years. The office's opening signifies a qualitative leap in equipping Oman's private sector with tools for global expansion, particularly in the highly competitive U.S. market. Beyond boosting exports and investments, it serves as a strategic platform to elevate Oman's presence in international economic forums and address regulatory challenges. The event was attended by officials and private sector representatives from both countries. —— Ends/AH
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Stitching dreams: Empowering Malagasy women through fashion
In a vibrant workshop in Antananarivo, the hum of sewing machines mixed with the sound of laughter as 19 Malagasy women immersed themselves in an extraordinary opportunity. These women, entrepreneurs from across Madagascar, came together to learn, create, and grow under a training programme led by the Academy of Design&Innovation (ADI) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). This initiative, part of the UK Trade Partnerships programme, aimed to empower women through fashion, turning creativity into sustainable businesses. The training was designed to teach not just skills but a new way of thinking about fashion and entrepreneurship. With the guidance of seasoned trainers, Stella Moorghen and Julie Abel, participants dove into the intricate world of pattern-making, mastering techniques for tracing blocks for skirts, corsages, and sleeves. Though many were beginners, they quickly grew confident, discovering how to translate ideas into tangible designs. Creativity flourished as the women explored textile embellishment techniques such as embroidery, screen printing, and patchwork. Inspired by global trends, they experimented with textures, patterns, and colours, reimagining what their designs could achieve. Business of fashion The workshop also introduced the participants to the business side of fashion. Branding, marketing, and packaging took center stage, as the women learned to craft their identity and position their products in the market. They created their own labels and developed strategies to tell their brand stories, transforming ordinary products into unique, high-value creations. For many, the programme was not without challenges. Power outages disrupted some sessions, and participants' skill levels varied widely. Yet, these obstacles were met with determination and a collaborative spirit. By the end of the programme, the women had not only gained new skills but also the confidence to chart their paths in the fashion industry. Their final projects, including redesigned garments and professional-grade storyboards, showcased their growth and creativity. This initiative is just the beginning. ITC, ADI, and the women's business grouping GFEM are committed to building on this success, with plans to expand training opportunities and provide mentorship to ensure these women thrive. This is the story of Malagasy women turning their passion into purpose — stitching together not just garments, but also hope, independence, and a brighter future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
