Oman holds trade talks in Paris

Muscat: A top-flight delegation led by Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export development agency, held the first of a series of trade and investment seminars in Paris on Tuesday.
The senior delegation included some of Oman’s largest and most influential business organisations, including: Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad); Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI); Salalah Free Zone; Salalah Port; Sohar Free Zone; Sohar Port; Oman Air; Al Mouj Muscat; Oman Aquaculture Development Company; Oman Foods Investment Holding Company; Omran and Oman Rail.
In partnership with Oman’s Embassy in France and the French–Arab Chamber of Commerce the ‘Invest in Oman’ seminar and B2B meetings attracted 50 French companies from a range of sectors that included fisheries and aquaculture, transport, environment and agriculture.
Azzan Al Busaidi, Ithraa’s Director General of Planning & Studies said: “We are delighted with the response we have received in Paris. Working in partnership with key Omani trade and investment stakeholders has put us in a strong position to boost awareness of Oman’s business offer in France and highlight the wealth of opportunities on offer in key sectors.”
Today, 54 French companies are in operation in the Sultanate, investing OMR81 million in construction, finance, manufacturing, oil and gas, transport and utilities. Oman’s non-exports to France was at OMR1.3 million in 2015.
Exploring transport, agriculture and asset management, the Omani delegation also held meetings with management from Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP Group), DUC France Poultry and Amunidi ETF France.
Al Busaidi concluded: “Oman has the stability, infrastructure, opportunities, talent and international logistical connections that French businesses are looking for in the GCC. Wednesday’s seminar and B2B meetings went extremely well and we are encouraged by the response.”