Latest news with #ZakariabinAbdullahalSaadi
Muscat Daily
07-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OCCI addresses challenges to Gulf Common Market integration
Muscat – The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Federation of GCC Chambers, on Tuesday hosted a workshop in Muscat focused on challenges facing the Gulf private sector within the framework of the Gulf Common Market. Speaking at the event, Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of OCCI, said the workshop is part of the chamber's strategic efforts to serve and empower the private sector, in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that enhancing the business environment and broadening economic diversification remain key national priorities. Saadi stressed that GCC countries have made significant progress toward regional economic integration, with the Gulf Common Market standing as a major achievement. He called for unified efforts among GCC chambers to address key challenges, unlock the full potential of joint cooperation, and put forward actionable recommendations to strengthen the market's performance.
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop addresses private sector challenges in GCC Common Market
MUSCAT, MAY 7 The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Federation of GCC Chambers, held a workshop on May 7, 2025 to address the issues facing the Gulf private sector in the GCC Common Market context. Held at the Chamber's headquarters in Muscat, the forum brought together policymakers and business leaders to discuss key issues hindering intra-GCC trade, including cumbersome laws, customs procedures, logistics challenges, and poor access to funding for cross-border investment. Participants debated concrete measures to increase regional trade and make Gulf enterprises more competitive. The workshop also reviewed current incentives and introduced requirements needed to spur private sector development and integration. Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of strengthening Gulf private sector cooperation in his opening remarks at a recent workshop. He emphasized the need to overcome underlying issues in trade law, financing, and investment and push for more intense economic integration within GCC nations. Al Saadi noted the Gulf Common Market is a keystone achievement and called for concrete solutions to boost its efficiency and shape regional trade goals. GCC expert Sulaiman al Balushi described the workshop as being a vital arena for GCC businessmen to air issues and provide down-to-earth suggestions. He further stated that actual discussion with policymakers is needed in order to establish real change and strengthen the area's private sector. Entrepreneur Muntaha Majid said, "Such workshops allow businesspeople to raise awareness about intra-GCC trade issues. More importantly, she added, they offer a chance to meet decision-makers and exchange views on establishing the Gulf Common Market for the benefit of the private sector and enhancing regional economic integration." Noura al Salem, Federation of GCC Chambers Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, introduced the Federation's role in empowering the private sector. She stated its work in GCC initiatives, including cooperation with the GCC Secretariat, the Gulf Common Market, the Customs Union, and collaborative policy-making activities. Al-Salem also instituted the Tawasul programme—a platform focused on consolidating direct dialogue among the private and public sectors within the Gulf region. The initiative is intended to highlight opportunities in investment, consolidate economic integration, as well as resolve trade and investment challenges. Oman Chamber's Mohammed al Gharbi reported Oman's trends of trade with GCC countries based on sustained growth grounded in economic integration, upgraded logistics, and moves to improve regional business conditions. The workshop emphasized the paramount importance of joint dialogue in addressing Gulf issues and supporting the economic growth contribution of the Gulf private sector.
Muscat Daily
12-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OCCI unveils 14 initiatives to boost business
Muscat – The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) announced 14 initiatives on Wednesday aimed at enhancing the business environment and promoting economic diversification across the governorates, in line with Oman Vision 2040. The initiatives were developed in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit as part of a strategic development cycle. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of a three-day workshop on integrated economic development attended by senior government officials, OCCI board members, and sectoral committee heads. The initiatives focus on three key pillars: Improving the business environment, fostering economic partnerships in the governorates, and broadening the scope of economic diversification. Six initiatives fall under the first pillar, while the second and third pillars each include four initiatives. Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of OCCI, stated that a detailed implementation plan has been developed in coordination with the Oman Vision 2040 Follow-up Unit to ensure these initiatives deliver the desired impact. 'This structured approach is aimed at strengthening the chamber's role in supporting the private sector,' he said. Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCI Board of Directors, emphasised the chamber's commitment to reinforcing the private sector's role in the national economy. 'These initiatives reflect a collaborative effort involving experts, business owners, and stakeholders to align with Oman Vision 2040's sustainable economic growth targets,' he said. Saadi added that the development cycle introduced a new collaborative framework between the public and private sectors. He noted that the initiatives were crafted to prioritise national economic growth and sustainability, ensuring alignment with Oman's strategic goals. The OCCI's efforts aim to foster stronger partnerships and provide a supportive environment for businesses to thrive, further contributing to the diversification and resilience of Oman's economy.
