27-9-2017
The ‘Omani Products Exhibition (OPEX), where over 100 companies based in the Sultanate of Oman are participating, was inaugurated by H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, and H E Dr Ali bin Masood bin Ali Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Oman at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
The three-day expo, held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, showcases a wide range of products, including food, garments, construction materials, industrial goods, furniture and furnishings, electrical and electronics products, health and medical products, textiles, leather goods, fertilizers, cosmetics, incense, plastics and industrial machinery, industrial equipment and tools, among others. The bilateral trade volume between Oman and Qatar has witnessed a sharp jump over the last few months as more and more companies from both sides are establishing partnership to further deepen the level of cooperation.
“After the unprecedented blockade on Qatar, the trade volume between Qatar and Oman increased manifold. This exhibition is not only showcasing products that we import from Oman, but a lot of service providers are also participating in the expo,” the Minister of Economy and Commerce told reporters on the sidelines of the OPEX opening event.
The Minister added: “Oman’s ports of Salalah and Sohar have become transit points for Qatari products.”
Commenting on the scope of the ongoing exhibition the Minister said that OPEX, the second edition of the expo, is not only a forum to get acquainted with Omani products, but it also provides great opportunity for companies from both sides to tap the growing business potential between the two countries by establishing long-term partnerships.
Present at the opening ceremony were large number of dignitaries from Qatar and Oman, including senior diplomats, prominent businessmen and top executives of public and private companies from Oman and Qatar.
The Minister further added that the exhibition reflects the keenness of the two countries to support and enhance the degree of coordination and cooperation, both at government as well as private level, to build fruitful partnership to encourage companies from both sides to take advantage of the different measures implemented in this regard, including the direct shipping lines from the newly opened Hamad Port to Sohar and Salalah.
He added: “Omani products and services have proven their worth in the Qatari market and are now become the backbone of the investment and trade exchange between the two countries.”
