Oman-Qatar Business Forum in Muscat: Unlocking New Trade Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT, OCT 21 – The Oman-Qatar Business Forum, along with a Qatar trade mission, commenced yesterday at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat. The event features participation from over 45 Qatari companies, complemented by a diverse representation of Omani firms. Organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in collaboration with Qatar Exports, the event aims to promote economic partnerships and enhance trade and investment avenues through direct business-to-business meetings.
An exhibition showcasing Qatari businesses and their products accompanies the forum, providing a platform to emphasize investment opportunities in both markets.
In his opening remarks, Shaikh Mubarak bin Fahad al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Oman, highlighted the steadily growing relations between the two nations, founded on mutual trust and aligned interests. He reaffirmed both countries’ leaderships’ commitment to further strengthening economic and trade collaboration.
Zahra al Siyabi, Head of the Sultanate of Oman’s Commercial Office in Qatar, remarked that the event is designed to introduce Omani markets to Qatari companies while exploring new collaborative opportunities. She noted that bilateral meetings are essential for enhancing trade exchanges, stating, “We anticipate further growth in trade and investment between Oman and Qatar, reflecting the strategic direction of this partnership.”
This forum occurs against a backdrop of expanding bilateral trade relations, which saw the total trade exchange surpass QAR 6.3 billion in 2024, marking a 17% increase compared to 2023. Qatari exports to Oman reached approximately QAR 3 billion, while Qatari private sector exports grew by 4%, totaling QAR 109 million. These exports encompass a variety of products, including aluminum, plastics, electrical equipment, and chemicals.
The forum’s agenda includes bilateral business meetings, the signing of cooperation agreements, and visits to economic sites. These initiatives underscore the shared strategic vision of Oman and Qatar to enhance their economic partnerships, diversify growth sources, and create sustainable joint investment opportunities.
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The launch of the Oman-Qatar Business Forum signals robust opportunities for Omani businesses to tap into the expanding Qatari market, potentially boosting trade exchange beyond the current QAR 6.3 billion. This partnership allows for strategic collaboration in sectors like manufacturing and exports, which can enhance competitive positioning for both countries. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on direct business engagements and identify sectors ripe for growth, especially in emerging industries highlighted during the forum.
