Product design, packaging, branding, m-commerce and the importance of social media in helping Omani businesses up their game and reach larger international audiences are the topics discussed at the ongoing Oman Export Week (OEW19), being held in Muscat, Oman.
Engineer Ahmed Al Dheeb, undersecretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry joined manufacturers and business leaders yesterday (October 27) for the inauguration of the event which is being held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The event will run until October 31, and is being sponsored by SV Pittie Sohar Textiles and Asyad.
Nasima Al Balushi, director general, investment and export at Ithraa and organiser of the event, said: “We were delighted to have Engineer Ahmed Al Dheeb join us at the inauguration of the event as he's been a champion for Omani manufacturers for many years and clearly understands how important manufacturing and non-oil exports are to the sultanate's economy.”
Al Balushi pointed out that Oman's manufacturers play a crucial role in communities across the sultanate, creating new and sustainable jobs, and helping accelerate the country’s ambitious economic plans. Employing over 240,000 people, non-oil exports in 2018 reached $9.7 billion up from $8.2 billion in 2017.
“We are living in a digital age where borders no longer matter. In fact, the word multinational has long been associated with the world's largest companies. But today, that label no longer carries the same meaning,” she said.
“With platforms such as Instagram and eBay giving start-ups the opportunity to reach markets worldwide, every Omani manufacturer, no matter their size, has the potential to become a multinational,” she added.
Delivered by local and international experts, the event’s workshops will expose local businesses to the trends driving today's sophisticated export markets. Whether companies are taking their first steps overseas, or are already established exporters, the OEW19 programme will equip them with the tools they need to succeed globally, said a statement from the organisers.
The event will also help raise further awareness of the opportunities and support available for would-be Omani exporters, it said.
Al Balushi noted: “We are passionate about helping our private sector, companies of all sizes capitalise on economic growth wherever in the world it's taking place. To this end we support Omani businesses to ensure they can compete in an increasingly challenging global marketplace.”
She noted that Omani products and services are enjoying tremendous international success. To highlight just a few, fibre optic cables made in the sultanate are to be found throughout London Heathrow's Terminal 5.
“Our batteries are powering London, UK, and Hong Kong double decker buses, not to mention vehicles of the British defence forces. Every day, commuters on Dubai Metro walk on flooring from Oman, and sanitary ware produced on one of Madayn’s industrial cities is sold in 1,000 outlets globally. And probably unbeknownst to many people, they have enjoyed the comfort of Oman-made mattresses, which are found in leading hotels around the world,” Al Balushi added.
Al Balushi said: “These are remarkable success stories but there's still so much more to achieve.”
“It is apparent that local companies are optimistic and confident about their international prospects. We need more businesses that haven’t considered exporting to have a go, and start saying yes to the opportunities that exist in new markets around the globe, that's why we're organising OEW19,” she concluded. – TradeArabia News Service