Dhofar to host major economic forum next month

SALALAH, JUNE 29

Against the backdrop of this year’s khareef season, a major economic conference will be held in Salalah with the goal of spotlighting Dhofar Governorate’s potential as a tourism, business, economic and investment destination.

The Dhofar Economic Conference, organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dhofar), will be held at Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex, Salalah, during August 21-22, 2022. It will take place in parallel with an exhibition of Omani products and services, according to a key official.

“The Dhofar Economic Conference aims to highlight the investment environment, investment components, incentives and opportunities available in the Sultanate of Oman in general and Dhofar Governorate in particular”, said Eng Hussain Huthaith al Batahari (pictured), Chairman — OCCI (Dhofar Governorate)

“In addition, the forum will open up opportunities for Omani companies aspiring to enhance their exports to neighbouring and other target countries, and expand the sales of existing companies by meeting potential importers.”

Speaking to the ‘Observer’, Al Batahari stressed that the conference will focus on Dhofar’s investment appeal, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, logistics, tourism, mining and food. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy directly the experiences and success stories of companies that have taken advantage of Oman’s promising business environment, he said.

The Forum is expected to attract the participation of business owners from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria, in addition to countries that have well-established economic sectors, notably food and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and fisheries, and other emerging sectors. Special emphasis will be given to investment opportunities available in the Sultanate of Oman during the forum, he noted.

It is estimated that more than 150 participants, representing multinational companies, consulting companies, investment funds, concerned regional and international institutions and officials from the government sectors in the Sultanate of Oman, will attend the forum. Dedicated sessions will also bring together the CEOs of the largest international companies to explore new investment opportunities.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, there will be bilateral meetings between Omani companies and foreign investors in addition to Omani exporters and international importers. The exhibition itself will showcase Omani products and services linked to the country’s thriving plastics, chemicals, foodstuff, minerals, industrial stones and other sectors.

Also supporting the Dhofar Economic Conference are a number of government and public sector entities, including: Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman Investment Authority, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Ministry of Agriculture , Fisheries and Water Resources, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Salalah Port, Credit Oman, Asyad Group and its subsidiaries, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority, Petroleum Development Oman, Ministry of Labour, Nama Group, be’ah and Khazaen.