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A press conference was held yesterday to announce the fifth edition of Oman Economic Forum which is organized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in cooperation & collaboration with Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, on the 23rd and 24th of March 2016 at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, in Muscat.
His Excellency Mohsin Bin Khamis Al- Balushi, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Walid Abu Zaki, Executive Manager at Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, represented the organizing parties in the press conference which was held at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
HE Mohsin Bin Khamis Al- Balushi stressed on the importance of the Forum saying that"organizing the Forum for the fifth year reflects its ongoing success as a platform for exchange and convergence between representatives of the public and private sector, as well as between local and foreign investors. It provides an ample proof onthe investors'confidence in the Sultanate's economy which has maintained its stability and growth during 2015, despite the plunge in the oil prices".
HE Mr. Al-Balushi pointed out that "the Forum aims at supporting the Government's development plans, in particular those related to promoting the Sultanate as a center for international trade and transportation among continents, as well as an investment hub through providing an investment friendly environment. In this context,the Forum will discuss the Omani-Asian economic relations and potential of Oman as a bridge between these countries and the Arab World. We are also considering dedicating a session to discuss investment opportunities in Iran and the importance of facilitating Omani &Asian companies' access to the Iranian Market, and at the same time attracting Iranian & Asian investments to various sectors in Oman.
As for Mr. Walid Abu Zaki, the Executive Director of Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamalindicated that "Omana bridge between Asia and the GCC constitutes the main theme of Oman Economic Forum in its fifth edition. This theme builds on Oman's importance in the regional politics, economy, and humanitarian sectors. Oman's strategic relation with various regional and international countries acts as an effective factor in enhancing and developing the Sultanate's economy.
Abou Zaki added that, "The Sultanate has many advantages ranging from its geographical location, security and political stability, to the reform approach led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos over the past 45 years, which reformed the laws, the facilities and the infrastructure and most importantly Oman's human workforce. This approach guarantees further future development and prosperity. Some might consider that the plunge in oil prices could slow down the Sultanate's economy, and this is possible; however this great country enjoys enough wisdom and is capable of adapting to the changing circumstances. In addition, the decline in oil prices acts as a driving force behind diversifying the economy and the services sector."
The Forum's program will tackle the following topics:
· Oman's Economic Outlook
· Sultanate of Oman: Bridge Between Asia & the GCC
· Financing the Future
· Key Investment Projects in Oman
· Attracting Asian & Iranian Investments to Oman
· Potential for Asian Investments in Iran
· Importance of Economic Zones & Logistic Cities as Development Catalysts
· Promoting Entrepreneurship through SMEs
Oman Economic Forum will host around 500 participants including officials, investors and specialists from the public and private sectors from Oman and the region, as well as a number of Asian businessmen interested in investing in Oman.
For further inquiries, please contact us at:
Tel: 00961 1780200
Mobile: 00968 91384107
Email: ola.rajeh@iktissad.com
© Press Release 2015
