Latest news with #businessOpportunities
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Armenia announces new visa-free travel for citizens and residents of Oman
Muscat: Effective July 1, 2025, Armenia will introduce visa-free entry for citizens and residents of Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen economic relations, boost tourism, and facilitate business opportunities between Armenia and the GCC member states. This significant development aims to enhance Armenia's attractiveness as an accessible and welcoming destination within the South Caucasus, particularly appealing to visitors from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The new visa free policy will apply to all passport holders from GCC member states, enabling travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Additionally, individuals holding valid residency permit issued by any of the GCC countries with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry to Armenia, will also be eligible for visa-free entry, thereby broadening the accessibility for a substantial segment of the GCC expatriate communities. Officials have highlighted the timeliness of this decision, noting the growing interest among GCC nationals and residents in exploring nearby destinations that offer authentic experiences, diverse culture, and natural beauty. With Armenia's rich historical heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culinary scene, the country is well-positioned to attract a growing number of travellers and business visitors from the Gulf region. 'This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers,' said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. 'We look forward to welcoming more guests from the GCC who seek meaningful travel experiences - whether through our ancient monasteries, vibrant food scene, or immersive cultural festivals.' The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia anticipates that the visa waiver will further stimulate collaboration with the GCC. The initiative supports Armenia's broader tourism strategy, which includes enhanced air connectivity, improved visitor infrastructure, and dynamic destination marketing across global markets. Armenia previously introduced visa-free travel for UAE citizens in 2017, Qatar citizens in 2019 and Kuwait citizens in 2022 - successful moves that laid the foundation for this expanded regional visa policy.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Annual Meetings 2025: African private-sector players and African Development Bank officials discuss business opportunities
On the fourth day of the African Development Bank Group's ( Annual Meetings in Abidjan ( a seminar on business opportunities with the Group brought together private-sector players from 40 African countries and led to constructive exchanges with Bank officials. "Africa will not develop without a robust private sector. This seminar should give you a better understanding of how the Bank operates and how to work with us," Gauthier Boulard, Senior Director of Resource Mobilization and Partners at the African Development Bank, told participants. During the seminar, the Bank provided updated information on its procurement plan and contractual policies, as well as on procedures for accessing business opportunities for companies or projects. Information was also shared on procurement rules, integrity and corruption. "With regard to our Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033 ( we expect to have to finance more transformative projects, i.e. projects that bring about change in the market in which they take place.... We are ready to support the private sector," said Ronald Rateiwa, Senior Strategy, Policy and Infrastructure Officer at the African Development Bank. Cheikh Ibra Faye, Director of Faye Groupe Services, a company active in Senegal, Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, commented: "I have just learned important information that I've been looking for for a year. I have a plan to replace West Africa's urban vehicle fleet with vehicles powered by renewable energy, and I'd like to know what support is available from the African Development Bank," he said. Aude Apetey-Kacou, Manager of Private Sector Operations for West Africa at the Bank, responded: "The Bank finances urban transport. So the fleet project meets one of our criteria. We would then need to discuss the project in a different setting, to find out more about its structure, the current state of financing and the progress of the studies already carried out, so that we can make a decision." The creation of characteristically African social media, setting up biometric laboratories to combat cervical cancer, satellite imagery and the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises were just some of the projects brought to the attention of the Bank's management by private-sector players. "Health is a key sector that the Bank intends to support and is already involved in. There are other sectors that are just as important, and we'll have the opportunity to talk about them again," confirmed Boris Honkpehedji, Senior Manager of Private Sector Operations at the African Development Bank. As of 31 December 2024, the African Development Bank Group's investment portfolio had devoted 46% of its financing to the financial sector, 16% to energy, 15% to industry, 9% to transport, 9% to agriculture and social affairs, and 5% to multi-sector projects. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
