MUSCAT: The Oman Business and Private Sector Partnership Forum Office at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will host the second session of its “Trade Dialogues” initiative on April 14, focusing on leveraging Omani heritage for sustainable economic growth.
Titled “Cultural Capital: Transforming Heritage into Global Impact,” the session will be held at the Civil Aviation Authority Training Centre and will examine how heritage assets can drive tourism, support creative industries and expand commercial opportunities.
Discussions will centre on handicrafts, historical sites and cultural experiences, alongside the role of modern technologies in widening access and enhancing global reach. The session will also address balancing preservation with commercialisation, strengthening Omani cultural exports, and developing innovative financing models to support sector growth.
Haritha bint Salim al Busaidi, Director of the Oman Business Forum and Public-Private Partnership Office, said the challenge lies not in establishing the value of Omani heritage, but in presenting it to wider audiences without compromising authenticity.
She noted that the initiative aims to strike a balance between economic utilisation and cultural preservation, enabling heritage to generate income, support livelihoods and expand its reach while maintaining national identity.
Launched earlier this year, the “Trade Dialogues” platform brings together experts and specialists to explore opportunities across key economic sectors and enhance value creation in the national economy.
Globally, cultural and creative industries contribute around 3.1 per cent to GDP and account for approximately 6.2 per cent of employment, underlining their growing importance as both cultural and economic drivers.
The session is expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in the heritage, museum and tourism sectors, supporting efforts to position Oman’s cultural assets on the global stage while preserving their unique character.
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