Omani Firms Score Italian Success

Four leading Omani companies participated in Italy’s famous Marmomacc exhibition - Europe’s leading trade fair in the stone and design sector.

With over 1,500 exhibitors drawn from more than 50 countries Marmomacc is considered by many in the building trade as the essential business exhibition for international producers, designers and decision makers seeking success in an increasingly specialist marble and stone market.

Verona from 21 - 24 September 2011, the companies participating from the sultanate included: Gulf Stone Company SAOG, Al Turki Enterprises LLC, Al Madina Engineering & Industrial Works LLC and Al Shanfari Marble Company LLC.

Commenting on the sultanate’s participation, Faris Al Farsi, Acting Director General of Export Development at the Public Authority for Investment, Promotion & Export Development said: “Marmomacc is the stone industry event where fabricators, installers and distributors can experience everything from natural stone extracted from quarries around the world, to the most technologically advanced fabricating machinery to the beautifully finished product. It’s a show that has gone from strength to strength and one that provided us with a captive audience.”

Al Farsi went on to say: “Footfall on the pavilion was significantly up from last year and with the quality of enquiries we received this is a business-to-business event that Omani marble and stone firms can’t afford to miss. Indeed, the show delivered an impressive cross section of visitors which gave our participating companies an outstanding opportunity to meet progressive, business minded customers.”

The Omani pavilion was visited by HE Said bin Nasser Al Harthy, the Sultanate’s Ambassador to Italy.

“We’re deeply grateful to the Ambassador for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us – his show of support meant a great deal to everyone on the pavilion,” added Al Farsi.

Ahmed bin Awad Al Shanfari of Al Shanfari Marble Company LLC said: “I thought the trade show was tremendous and the start of a new beginning in elevating all that’s good about Omani marble and stone. The one thing I am sure about is that the show helped all of the participating Omani firms reach a broader and deeper international audience.”

On his company’s participation at Marmomacc, Zayed bin Said Al Risi, Marketing Manager, Gulf Stone Company SAOG said: “We were pleased with the show’s attendance especially the quality of visitor and we’re returning home with genuine enquiries.”

Focus on Increasing Non –oil Exports to India

In line with its objective to increase non-oil Omani origin exports, the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development has been conducting market studies in target markets. India has been identified as a target market to increase non-oil Omani origin exports and based on the market study conducted by the Public Authority there is enough scope to increase non-oil Omani origin exports.

Mr. Faris Nasser Al Farsi, Acting Director General of Export Development informed that the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development conducted a seminar on Market Study in India on 14th December 2010 in Muscat and this was later followed with matchmaking meeting held in Mumbai, India on 25th January 2011. As a next step, Mr. Faris Al Farsi added that the Public Authority is organizing a matchmaking meeting in New Delhi, India in coordination with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Avalon Consulting. The event is being held at Trident Hotel, Gurgaon near New Delhi on 12th May 2011.

An Omani delegation consisting of 15 businessmen will be participating in the matchmaking meetings in India. The Public Authority has received confirmations from over 100 Indian businessmen to attend the event.

Mr. Faris Al Farsi mentioned that the market study in India found a huge potential for Omani exports to India. The relevant Indian market for the shortlisted 21 products is estimated at RO 9.62 Billion. Flexible packaging films, polypropylene, plastic pipes, edible oil and marble account for 55% of the relevant market for 21 shortlisted products. The demand for most of the shortlisted products is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7 to 15% being driven by large government projects, increasing disposable income and changing demographics, in India.

Sultanate of Oman’s Non-Oil exports to India have grown rapidly from RO 70 Million in 2005 to RO 323.4 Million in 2010 registering a compounded annual growth rate of 36%. Analysis of the trade between the two countries showed that urea dominates Omani exports to India. Within the remaining non-urea segment, Omani exports are dominated by a handful of products - aluminium ingots, polypropylene, methanol, Dates etc.

Mr. Faris Nasser Al Farsi further added that the Sultanate of Oman with its strategic, geographic position and long history of friendly relations with India can fulfill the requirement of a strong economic cooperation with India. To further the relations, Sultanate of Oman participated as the focus country in CII Partnership summit, held in Mumbai earlier this year.

Mr. Faris Al Farsi hoped that through such activities the non-oil Omani origin exports to India will get a major boost and will also attract investment into the Sultanate of Oman.

PAIPED Improving Oman’s Economy

Attracting foreign investors is top of the agenda for the Public Authority for Investment, Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) who will participate at the upcoming Korean Overseas Investment Fair (KOIF), 19 – 20 May 2011 in Seoul.

Organized by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and hosted by the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, “KOIF is a unique event that offers PAIPED an outstanding opportunity to interact with more than 200 Korean companies with interests in making overseas investment. In simple terms, it gives us a platform to present the very best investment opportunities Oman has to offer,” says Mrs. Nisreen Ahmed Jaffer, PAIPED’s Director General of Investment Promotion.

KOIF provides its 1,500 attendees from over 700 companies and 29 exhibiting countries with information and practical advice on today's global marketplace and inward investment matters.

“The aim of our participation at KOIF is to promote Oman through presentations at the seminar program and one-on-one meetings at our exhibition stand, providing potential investors with an insight into the Sultanate’s economy and show them how to make the best of what we have to offer. In particular, we’ll be focusing on the Sultanate’s growing and strategically located industrial estates, free zones and ports and the domestic and international businesses that are thriving on these sites.”

PAIPED has an excellent track record of providing business support and advice to international as well as domestic firms. “We help foreign companies set-up and flourish in Oman and support domestic businesses to take advantage of huge export opportunities,” remarks Mrs. Nisreen.

The PAIPED Director General clearly understands that establishing what companies want from a location is crucial. “Ten to 15 years ago, the re-location decision was driven by the price of property. Now we’re seeing a much more sophisticated approach to the business plan. For example, firms are thinking about access to local talent, R&D, connectivity and life-style issues. Cheap locations might look good on a company’s spreadsheet but if the domestic skill-set is lacking, recruitment costs can be very high.”

Mrs. Nisreen went on to add: “It's crucial that we continue to attract and retain inward investment to Oman, to create jobs and support businesses. Indeed, there’s no room for complacency. There are many challenges ahead, not least the ongoing global financial turbulence. However, Oman, with its open and supportive investment environment, strategic location, global connections, access to capital markets and a world-class skills and technology base, is well placed to take advantage of future opportunities. We work in partnership with a number of key government departments to bring more inward investment to Oman and it’s through international trade events like KOIF that we can showcase the Sultanate, attract inward investment and expand our international trading ties.”

Russian Trade Delegation Visits PAIPED

Mrs. Nisreen Ahmed Jaffer, Director General, Investment Promotion Department at the Public Authority for Investment, Promotion & Export Development (PAIPED) and PAIPED’s Acting Export Development Director General, Mr. Faris Al Farsi, played host to a Russian trade delegation earlier this week which aims to strengthen business ties between Oman and Russia and promote trade.

Led by Dr. Sergey Tishkin, the newly elected Chairman of the Oman-Russian Business Council and Dr. Mikahil Arzhakov Chairman, Majan International Development and CEO of the Oman-Russian Business Council, the high-profile Russian delegation comprised of businesses operating in sectors ranging from finance, energy to manufacturing.

Discussions focused on international business environments, small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturing, financial services and high tech industries.

Russia remains an attractive target for Omani exporters and investors, with highly favourable cross-sector opportunities. The government’s economy modernization and infrastructure development agenda, underpinned by 140 million consumer’s appetite for quality services and goods offers Oman-based companies some outstanding commercial opportunities.

Mrs. Nisreen Ahmed Jaffer said: “PAIPED plays a crucial role in courting the interest of foreign companies and the emerging BRIC economies are of significant importance to today’s business world.

Russia is very much a part of our investment strategy particularly with regard the metal and plastic sectors. Indeed, we’re confident strong leads could result from the sector focused business meetings we’ve planned with our Russian colleagues scheduled to take place in Oman later this year and in Moscow in 2012. Our meeting with Dr. Tishkin and his team will certainly contribute towards attracting further inward investment interest from Russia.”

Faris Al Farsi said: “We have goods that are in high demand, and Omani companies are increasingly seeking out further opportunities in emerging markets. Indeed, in 2010 our exports to Russia increased 55.5% on the previous year and I hope that through delegations such as this, trade relations will continue to grow between our two countries.”

“Our meeting will certainly help link Omani businesses with Russian companies that could benefit from their products and services, providing both sides with opportunities to develop beyond their own borders,” remarked Dr. Tishkin.

“We see Russia as an important market because of its potential for future growth. It has a large population, and while at the moment the middle class represents a small percentage of the total population, it’s growing and expanding beyond Moscow, St Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk and Ekaterinburg into the smaller cities and towns. I would advise any Omani SME thinking of exporting to Russia to contact PAIPED to discuss the services and advice we offer,” concluded Al Faris.

Oman Wins Fish Business in Brussels

The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) in partnership with the Directorate General of Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and Oman Development Bank, Oman Fisheries Company SAOG, Al Marsa Fisheries LLC, Al Bahihi Fisheries LLC and Sea Pride LLC participated at the recent European Seafood Exhibition (ESE) held in Brussels, Belgium.

ESE is the world’s largest seafood trade show and allows Omani seafood companies the chance to promote the Sultanate’s fishing industry to global buyers and others in the business.

According to Aiman Ambusaidi, PAIPED’s Director of Export Development: “The four Omani companies enjoyed an outstanding response to the produce they were showcasing at the ESE. In particular, visitors to the Sultanate’s pavilion were keen to learn more about Omani tuna, lobster, lobster tail, shrimp, groupers, sea bream and the value added fish products offered by the four Omani companies. In fact, the participating exporters have already booked orders to the tune of US$2.4 million for both fresh and frozen fish.”

The Omani pavilion attracted over 500 visitors during the three-day event and besides the European market, the four companies are very upbeat about their participation at the exhibition and the global customer contacts they made. Moreover, Oman was the only Arab country exhibiting at the Brussels show.

HE Sheikh Ghazi bin Said Al Rawas, the Sultanate’s Ambassador to Belgium as well as senior officials from the embassy visited the Oman pavilion.

“ESE is a key date in the seafood industry calendar,” remarked PAIPED’s Ambusaidi, adding: “This is the world’s largest seafood fair with over 1,600 exhibitors, attracting in excess of 24,000 visitors from 140 countries. Indeed, it’s important for Omani companies to have a presence at this leading event. The four participating firms did an outstanding job of promoting the Sultanate’s fishing industry and clearly demonstrated how Oman’s produce stands apart from its competitors. This was the perfect opportunity to showcase our competitiveness to global seafood markets.”

The Sultanate of Oman participates in Boston Seafood Show in USA

Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (called earlier as PAIPED) in coordination with the Directorate General of Fisheries Resources, Ministry of ِAgriculture and Fisheries had organized Omani fish exporters’ participation at the International seafood show being held in Boston, USA from 20th March to 22nd March 2011. Four Omani fish companies – Oman Fisheries co SAOG, Al Marsa Fisheries LLC, Al Bahihi fisheries company and Sea pride LLC participated in the show and had a very good response for all the products that were displayed such as lobsters, lobster tails, shrimps, groupers, sea breams, emperors, jobfish, snappers and value added fish products.

The participants felt confident after having met many of the importers, distributors of fresh, frozen and value added seafood was resulted in substantial order generation. Mr.Durin, General Manager of Al Marsa Fisheries informed at the end of the exhibition that he has secured orders for US$10,000 per week and in addition is also negotiating orders amounting to US$ 500,000 per year. Mr.Sunil Attur of Al Bahihi Fisheries informed that he has secured an order for US$150,000 for which L/C has also been opened by the US buyer. Further orders amounting to US$500,000 is under negotiation. Mr.Kuruvilla of Oman Fisheries SAOG informed that besides orders worth US$150,000 being finalized, orders to the tune of US$500,000 is being negotiated with the US and Canadian buyers. Mr.Mohammed Ameen of Sea Pride LLC mentioned that he has booked orders worth US$300,000 and more will follow after the completion of the present order.

Mr.Emaad Al Shekaily, Marketing Researcher of Public Authority for investment Promotion and Export Development (called earlier as PAIPED) who participated in the exhibition informed that the Boston seafood show attracts buyers from all over the world and there is a genuine interest to source fish and fish products from the Sultanate of Oman. He further added that, the Omani exporters also had a fair exposure of the latest equipments, machineries and technology used for fish processing as well as different packing methods and marketing techniques. The Omani pavilion attracted as many as 100 visitors and the stand decoration was appreciated by many.

Oman to participate at the European Seafood exposition at Brussels, Belgium

The European Seafood Exposition (ESE) held in Brussels, Belgium is an event that brings together seafood- buyers and sellers from all over Europe and the world. With over 1600 exhibitors from more than 77 countries, ESE offers seafood business professionals access to a one-stop resource to reach global retail, foodservice and wholesale companies.

Following the successful participation at the European Seafood Exposition during 2009, 2010, the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) in coordination with the Directorate General of Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries has organized an Omani pavilion at the European Seafood Exposition from 3rd to 5th May 2011 at Brussels, Belgium.

15 members Omani delegation will leave for Brussels, Belgium to participate in the European Seafood Exposition to be held from 3rd to 5th May 2011.

Mr. Aiman Ambusaidi, Director of Export Development of PAIPED informed that 4 Omani fish exporting companies will be participating under “OMAN PAVILION”. 72 sq. meters (fully built up) exhibition space has been booked by the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and PAIPED. Mr. Aiman expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries for their efforts to develop the fisheries sector in the Sultanate and to enhance the efficiency of fish industry through the participation in international exhibitions such as Boston Seafood show and European Seafood Exposition in order to attract Investments and develop Omani fish exports which would secure value addition to fish industry.

Mr. Aiman urged the fish exporters to take maximum benefit of the exhibition and invited all the fish exporters for a review meeting after participating in the exhibition.

Good Response From “Sourcing at Magic 2011” Exhibition

The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) organized participation of 4 omani textile, garments and thread exporters at the “Sourcing at MAGIC 2011” held from 13th to 16th February 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, USA.

Welcoming a 35 percent increase in size over the February 2010 show, Sourcing at MAGIC showcased the most diverse selection of apparel, accessories and fabric mills, trim and component suppliers, print design studios and fashion supply chain providers from around the world.

4 Omani textile, garments and thread exporters namely Oman Textile Mills Co. LLC, Al- Obaidani International LLC, Muscat Thread Mills SAOG and Apex Textile Marketing SFZCO participated. Participation in the exhibition benefitted the Omani exporters in terms of product knowledge & presentation, fashion trends, pricing strategy and ultimately leading to better market in the USA.

The Omani textile, garments and thread exporters had a fair exposure of the Textiles & Apparel market in the US and had an opportunity to meet with importers, distributors from all over the world.

Mr. Shahzad Khan, Marketing Manager, Muscat Thread Mills SAOG informed that it was a good effort for the promotion of Omani textile products. Mr. Karan Sadana, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Textile Mills Co. LLC commented that matchmaking meetings worked to be excellent to promote Omani textile products. Mr. Naveed Sumar, Chief Executive Officer, Apex Textile Marketing SFZCO mentioned that it was a successful trip for Apex as they received lot of potential customers who have shown interest in placing orders.

Mr. Faris Nasser Al Farsi, Acting Director General of Export Development of PAIPED who participated in the exhibition informed that based on the responses received from the exporters, PAIPED intends to support the textile and garment industry to access the US market by participating in such exhibitions in future.

The Partnership Summit 2011

The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development has co-organized “The Partnership Summit 2011” in collaboration with The Confederation of Indian Industry and Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the Republic of India in Mumbai under the auspices of Anand Sharma the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry with 1200 participants representing 30 countries.

The Sultanate's delegation to the Summit, was led by H.E Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, minister of Commerce and Industry, included HE Dr. Salim bin Nasser al Ismaili, CEO of The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development, Khalil bin Abdullah al Khonji, Chairman of OCCI and a big number of officials and businessmen.

H.E Maqbool bin Ali Sultan delivered a speech, wherein he pointed out the importance of the Sultanate's participation in this summit. He also reviewed the historic trade relationship between the Sultanate and India which was crowned by establishment of the Indian Rim Association for Regional Cooperation, noting that the Sultanate and India are among the founding members of this Association.

On the sidelines of the Summit, a discussion was held and focused on the Sultanate. The session was managed by Bankaj Khimji, Head of the Omani Side at the Omani-Indian Business Council. The session cast light on the good investment environment in the Sultanate, as well as, the projects that will be implemented in the 8th five-year plan 2011-2015. It also covered promotion for Sohar Port, as well as, the services, facilities and incentives provided to attract more investment projects, especially those related to iron and projects that benefit from Sohar Port location as a regional logistic centre for all commodities, goods and services.

It focused light also on the A'Duqum zone nd the Dry Dock projects in the al Wusta Region, which is expected to be opened in April this year. It also covered the strategic location of the region and the incentives and facilities provided at the zone for investors.
On the sidelines of the Summit, an exhibition was also held for the companies taking part at the Summit. The exhibition included a pavilion for the sultanate. This pavilion had a number of Omani companies to showcase the services and products of theirs at the Summit.

The opening ceremony of the Partnership Summit in India 2011 was attended by Humaid bin Ali al Maani, the Sultanate's ambassador to the Republic of India, Khalil bin Abdullah al Khunji, Chairman of OCCI, , Eisa bin Ibrahim al Farsi, the Sultanate's General Consul in Mumbai, representatives of Sohar free zone , A'Duqum zone, Oman Oil Company, a number of Omani businessmen, many Indian officials and delegates of the participating countries.

It is worth mentioning that Sultanate's participation at the Partnership Summit in India for this year which comes under the title ‘"New Partnerships for Economic Resurgence” is the seventh in a row. India is the major trade partner for the Sultanate.
On the Sidelines of the Summit, H.E Maqbool bin Ali Sultan met with his Indian counterpart and reviewed the bilateral relations and cooperation especially in trade, industry, oil refineries and other fields.

The meeting was attended by Humaid bin Ali al Ma'ani, the Sultanate's ambassador to the Republic of India, Eisa bin Ibrahim al Farsi, the Sultanate's General Consul in Mumbai, Dr. Salim bin Nasser al Ismaili, CEO of the Omani Center for Investment Promotion and Export Development, and representatives of Sohar, A'Duqum and Oman Oil Company.

PAIPED’s Australian Aepresentative to promote metal cans Universal Trading Group, Australia to represent National Metalcans

Mr.Andre’ Yalda of Universal Trading Group, Representative of PAIPED (The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development) in Australia today signed an exclusive Agency agreement with Mr.Chaitanya Gulabsi Khimji of National Metalcans to market metal cans in Australia and New Zealand. The agreement was signed in the office of PAIPED.
Universal Trading Group based in Sydney, Australia since 2000 does general trading, trade facilitation and international representation, dealing with various products and services spanning a range of industries.

National Metalcans a manufacturing company based in Oman specialises in the fabrication and printing of different varieties, sizes and designs of cylindrical metal cans and conipails. National Metalcans supplies most of the companies in Oman and the United Arab Emirates as well as other GCC markets. Their products relate to the paint, building materials, chemicals, lubricants and food industries and are one of the leading manufacturers of metal cans in the GCC.

Mr.Faris Al Farsi, Acting Director General of Export Development of PAIPED while welcoming such export development initiative informed that PAIPED has nominated 42 representatives worldwide who could be contacted by Omani exporters for representation.

Oman's trade promotion agency cited for United Nations prize

An international jury in Mexico City this evening confirmed the selection of The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) as one of the contenders for a major United Nations award for excellence in export development.

PAIPED was shortlisted together with trade promotion agencies from Armenia, Brazil, , Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates under the developing country category.

"I am delighted for this recognition by the United Nations of our work", said PAIPED Chief Executive Salem Al Ismaily. "I and PAIPED's chairman, Minister of Commerce and Industry Maqbool bin Ali bin Sultan, are very proud of the PAIPED team.

"The timing couldn't be better", Mr Al Ismaily continued. "Coming on the 40th anniversary of our Glorious Renaissance, this achievement helps affirm the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said to make Oman a force in international trade and diversify our nation's economy."

Competitors for the 2010 TPO Network Award ( www.tponetwork.net  ) were challenged to describe, in succinct written presentations, how they measure, record and report the impact and outcome of their trade support activities.

PAIPED's entry described how quantitative indicators were found, adapted and applied to measure and assess the usefulness of its export market studies for Oman's non-oil manufacturing sector.

PAIPED has researched and published six such studies so far, mapping market opportunities for Oman' non-oil exports in Yemen (2001), Kenya and Tanzania (2002), Iran (2003), Syria (2004), Sudan (2007) and Libya (2009). The studies are available free of charge to all export-oriented manufacturing companies in the Sultanate.

Sponsor of the TPO Network Awards is the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint organization of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The awards are made every two years.

The jury in Mexico City was chaired by ITC Executive Director Patricia R. Francis, who said of the five countries shortlisted for the prize, "Trade promotion organizations (TPOs), or TPOs, make a vital contribution to economic growth and development. More than ever there is a need for strong, well-equipped and agile TPOs.

"These applicants have tackled the growing challenges of an increasingly competitive marketplace and the effects of the global economic recession", Ms Francis said. "They are delivering real value to their customers."

PAIPED ( www.PAIPED.com ) competed in the award's Developing-Country category, which was won by Brazil.

PAIPED to organize seminar on exporting to india

Consistent with its mission to promote Non Oil Omani origin exports, PAIPED has commissioned a market study in India

Mr. Faris Al Farsi, Acting Director General of Export Development of The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development, informed that PAIPED has commenced a study of the Indian market for exporting a select set of Non Oil Omani origin products. Based on the outcome of the market study in India, PAIPED is organizing a ‘Seminar on Exporting to India’ on Tuesday the 14th December 2010 at Afrah Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Muscat

Mr. Faris expressed the satisfaction that all previous 7 market studies conducted by PAIPED have resulted in substantial increase in exports of Non-Oil Omani origin products to markets such as Yemen, Syria, Iran, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Libya. Mr. Faris mentioned that PAIPED has approached the study in a very scientific manner by focusing on critical elements based on lessons learnt from seven previous country market studies.

India and Oman – Building on strong trade relationships
The trade between Oman and India has been growing at a brisk pace. Trade between India and Oman had risen to $1.62 billion (624 Mn RO) in 2009, from $ 0.62 billion (238 Mn RO) in 2005. While Omani exports to India grew at a CAGR of 27% between Years 2005 and 2009, India’s exports to Oman also grew at a CAGR of 28%. The proposed study will build on this strong platform of existing trading relationships, and promote further rapid growth in trade.

Omani exports to India – Need to diversify the export basket
While Indian exports to Oman have been broad based, Omani exports have been focused on a few large value items. Fertilizer and oil account for majority (72 %) of the value of exports from Oman to India (2009). If we were to exclude these two products, then Omani exports to India have grown at a CAGR of 30%, albeit on a smaller base. This is impressive when compared to the lower 10.2% CAGR export growth of overall Omani exports during 2009 and underscores the potential of India as an emerging export market. The study will focus on opportunities to diversify the export basket to reduce the dependence on a few products.

Structured approach to short listing products for the study
After more than 12 weeks of trade data analysis and intense engagement with exporters, PAIPED and the consultants have finalized a list of 21 products for the study. The consultant contacted all the 150+ Omani exporters to gauge their interest levels in exploring India as an export market for their products. During the survey, around 56 Omani exporters evinced interest in the Indian market. Avalon Consulting and PAIPED followed this survey with personal meetings with the interested exporters. The discussion was centred on the analysis of Indian imports for the relevant product, import duties, and competition from heavy weights like China in the Indian export market. PAIPED have shortlisted a promising basket of 21 products for further detailed study.
Products for India Study:

A Two-phase One-year long initiative envisaged
Mr. Faris informed that the Phase I of the study to be completed in December 2010 will focus on detailed market mapping for the shortlisted products and sizing up the export potential for these products in the Indian market followed by seminars in Oman focused on relevant exporters to share the insights from the study and increase their awareness of the export opportunity available in the Indian market. Phase II will continue for another six months, where trade will be facilitated between Omani exporters and Indian importers through a series of events such as match making meetings and follow up activities to be organized by PAIPED and the Indian consultants.

Good response from verona marble exhibition

The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) has organized participation of 4 omani marble companies under “OMAN PAVILION” at the 45TH International Exhibition of Stone, Design and Technology held from 29th September – 2nd October 2010 at Verona, Italy.

The International Exhibition of Stone, Design and Technology is one of the largest Marble exhibitions in Europe which attracts large number of visitors from all over the world. This is part of the initiative of the Directorate General of Export Development of PAIPED to reach out to new markets, identify new business opportunity and partnership in the Mineral products sector. Minerals products exports have made an impressive growth rate of 154% during the first 4 months of 2010 as compared to 2009.

4 Omani marble and stone companies namely Gulf Stone Company SAOG, Al Shanfari Marble Company LLC, Al Turki Enterprises LLC, Gulf Mining Materials Co. participated under “Oman Pavilion”. Al Nasr Trading & Cont. Co participated with their own stand at the exhibition. Officials from Al Ajmi Marble LLC, Al Teel Al Wataniyah LLC and Hamood Al Rashidi & Bros. Trad. Co had also visited the exhibition.

H.E Said Nasser Mansoor AL- Sinawi AL-Harthy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in Italy and H.E. Giovanni Colombo, Secretary General, The European Federation of Agricultural Exhibitions and Show Organizers, Verona, Italy visited Oman Pavilion and encouraged the participants.

The Omani marble exporters had a fair exposure of the latest equipments, machineries and technology used for marble mining, cutting, polishing and packing etc. Omani exporters also had an opportunity to meet with importers, distributors, building contractors from all over the world.

Mr. Faris Nasser Al Farsi, Acting Director General of Export Development of PAIPED who participated in the exhibition assured the Omani exporters that PAIPED will plan for a bigger and specious stand for 2011 exhibition where there will be an opportunity for more Omani marble and stone companies to participate and derive maximum benefit.

 Germans told of Oman’s rich investment potentials

The 11th session of the Omani- German joint committee concluded in Berlin on Friday.

The minutes of the meeting was signed by HE Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Omani side in the committee, and Dr Bernd Vaven Bach Deputy Minister of Economy and Technology in Germany.

Badr Busaidi said the relations between the Sultanate and Germany were very deep in various fields. He also stressed the importance of these kinds of meetings in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.

He expressed his satisfaction over the level of trade and investment between the two countries in recent years. He said though the trade between the Sultanate and Germany amounted to 946 million euros in 2008, the global economic crisis had led to the decline in the trade to 464 million euros in 2009.

“There are still wider horizons to enhance trade and investment,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of creating more business opportunities in the Sultanate and Germany, he called on German companies to invest in various vital sectors in the Sultanate.

He added that there was a desire to improve the general conditions for economic cooperation in addition to the steps that had been taken earlier, stressing it was essential to continue such economic consultation.

Bernd Vaven Bach stressed the desire of Germany to strengthen cooperation with the Sultanate in particular and other GCC countries in general in the fields of economy and communications, technology, information technology, education and technical training and the areas of energy and environmental protection.

The two sides stressed during the meeting the importance of technical training, technology and knowledge transfer in all sectors of economic and technological activities and discussed the proposal to create an Omani-German Business Forum to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment in the Sultanate.

 PAIPED participated in the 13th German- Arab Business Forum in Berlin

The Omani Center for Investment Promotion & Export Development (PAIPED) participated in the “13th German- Arab Business Forum”, which was held during 2nd - 4th June 2010 in Berlin, Germany. His Excellency Dr. Guido Vestrwilh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor of German considered the growing interest of Germany in supporting the enhancement of Arab-German relations, especially in the economic field. He described the Forum as an ideal place for communication between the Arab businessmen and the Germans.

And reflected a dynamic economic relations Arab-German in the presentations and discussions at meetings of the Conference of the diverse and included the construction sector and efficient use of energy sector, information technology and telecommunications, the process of market entry, financing, privatization and investments, the environment sector, water and sanitation and transport sectors and areas of logistics.

Eng. Nisreen Ahmed Jaffar, Director General of Investment Promotion, gave a presentation about “Investment Opportunities in Oman”. The forum provided an excellent platform to showcase the developments which are taking place in the region and the opportunities available for investment in various sectors.

During the concluding session, His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al-busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, highlighted the challenges and opportunities available through the high number of young job seekers in the Arab world, as the number of young people who have attained the age of 20 to 24 years, 10 million in 1950 rising to 36 million in 2006 and is expected to arrive this number to 56 million in 2050.

The 13th Arab-German Economic Forum has concluded on June 4, 2010 at the Hotel Ritzcarlton in Berlin and was attended by about 600 business representatives, economists and politest of Arab countries and Germany.