H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, has said that the deepening relations between Qatar and Oman will help establish more investments and commercial projects in both these brotherly countries.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ‘Made in Qatar 2018’ in Oman yesterday, the Minister said the relations between Qatar and Oman are very special. He affirmed that both the countries are keen to develop them further, especially in the trade and industry sectors.
He noted that Qatar’s investment law allows non-Qatari investors to own 100 percent of businesses. The Minister called on Omani companies to take advantage of this law to enter into the Qatari market.
Earlier, the Minister and the President of General Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development in Oman, Yahia bin Saeed Al Jabri inaugurated the “Made in Qatar 2018” and the accompanying Qatar-Oman Business Forum at the Oman Conferences & Exhibition Center. The opening ceremony was attended by a galaxy of Qatari and Omani businessmen and media representatives from both sides.
Qatar Chamber Vice-Chairman Mohamed bin Towar and Rashid Al Athba attended the ceremony as well as a number of board of directors and Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The four-day expo is being held on an area of 10,000sqm at the Oman Conference & Exhibition Center with the participation of 240 manufacturing local companies. The expo will conclude on December 6.
The expo features Qatar industry through five sectors including food and beverages (44 companies), furniture (21 companies), petrochemicals (19 companies), SMEs (59 companies) and (71 companies) representing various industries as well as home-made industries. The exhibition aims to promote the industry and Qatari products locally and globally, encourage the use of Qatari products and reduce dependence on imports, encourage investors and entrepreneurs to invest in industrial projects, and support the state’s approach to public-private partnerships.
On his part, Mohamed bin Towar said that the expo offers a good opportunity for both countries’ businessmen to review the investment opportunities available in both sides, noting that Oman provides many investment incentives and facilities such as those in ports of Sohar, Slala Duqm and industrial zones.
He said that the theme of the business forum “Industry as Strategic Choice” encourages businessmen and manufacturers to set up partnerships and sign MOUs, noting that both parties agreed to hold more forums and meeting in the period ahead to deepen relations between business communities.
“Qatar Chamber supports establishing more partnerships between both sides. It also encourages Omani businessmen to invest in Qatar,” he added.
Dr. Salem bin Sulayem Al Junaibi, Deputy Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Economic Affairs and Branches, commended the expo and the exhibiting companies, noting that they display various industries that cover all economic sectors.
Al Junaibi also noted that the business forum saw great attendance from Omani businessmen who are willing to enhance relations with their Qatari counterparts.
Qatar Chamber Board Member and President of the Organizing Committee Rashid bin Nasser Al Kaabi praised the keenness of Omani businessmen to attend the opening ceremony of the expo.He also praised the efforts exerted by the Organizing Committee, affirming that the expo is highly commended by Omani businessmen for its variety.
Al Kaabi said that the expo aims to strengthen cooperation between Qatar and Oman companies, inform Omani business community on Qatari products as well as open new markets for Qatari companies.
