Algeria next stop for Omani products expo

Business Reporter -

MUSCAT, FEB 28 -

The Omani Products Exhibition (OPEX) Organizing Committee of Ithraa, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates have jointly announced that the next OPEX trade show will take place in Algeria during October 9-13, 2017.

According to Ayman al Hsani, OPEX Committee Head: “Oman manufactures high-end products that are in demand internationally. Recently, OPEX has been to Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, UAE, Qatar and Iran, all key growth markets for Omani manufacturers. Positive feedback from the six city shows clearly Oman-made products are valued by international businesses, retailers and consumers.”

Al Hasani went on to add: “We couldn’t be happier with how well the OPEX shows have been well-received in the Middle East and Africa.

We knew there was a need for a large international Omani products initiative but the show’s success has exceeded all expectations.”

The Committee Head puts the success of OPEX squarely down to the calibre of participating Omani companies.

Omani exports to Algeria in 2015 were recorded at $27.45m, up from $22.27m in 2014, a rise of 22.7 per cent. Omani polyethylene, aluminium wire, polypropylene and marble proving particularly popular in the large and growing North African market.

With a population of 40 million and an ambitious five-year $262bn government-backed infrastructure spending programme, Algeria offers market opportunities for Oman-made building materials, plastics and aluminium. OPEX research also suggests significant Algerian consumer demand for Omani foodstuff.

The OPEX Committee Head pointed out: “The importance of manufacturing extends beyond the employees, companies and investors directly involved in the sector. It impacts everyone. Manufacturing is key to an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable Oman. Indeed, the Sultanate’s growing economy depends on the continued success of a thriving and innovative manufacturing sector. In this regard, trade shows like OPEX play a crucial role in helping large as well as small Omani manufacturers access and penetrate advanced and emerging markets.”

The OPEX Organizing Committee also paid tribute to Eng Basim bin Ali al Nassri, former Director-General, Knowledge Oasis Muscat and OPEX Committee member who very sadly passed away recently.