In partnership with Ithraa — Oman’s inward investment and export development agency — leading export trainers from the UN’s International Trade Centre (ITC) held workshops on export quality management, this week at the Sundus Rotana Hotel, Muscat and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Salalah.
With industry experts claiming that exporting goods abroad makes SMEs more competitive, innovative and raises productivity by up to a third in the first year alone, winning trade overseas is a key way for Omani companies to kick start growth and prosper in the marketplace. However, to succeed internationally, local companies need to be aware of quality standards and specifications.
“We’re seeing more and more Omani companies, particularly SMEs, looking to launch their products and services overseas. And it’s because of this keen interest that we’ve partnered with ITC to run workshops in Muscat and Salalah this week on export standards and specifications, helping local businesses understand what’s required of them if they want to venture abroad,” explained Nasima al Balushi, Ithraa’s Director-General of Export Development & Acting Director- General of Investment Promotion. “International exports bring earnings, investment, technology and talent into the Sultanate and are among the primary economic drivers propelling Oman’s economic fortune. Today, local companies are exporting to over 135 countries. However, to maintain and improve on this performance we have to ensure that we’re providing current as well as future Omani exporters with the right support and information. Hopefully, those that attended the Muscat and Salalah quality standards and specification sessions find themselves in a stronger position to export,” remarked Al Balushi.
ITC and Ithraa have a longstanding working relationship, collaborating on export issues that range from market intelligence, packaging, quality standards and specifications to non-tariff measures.
The aim of the relationship is to capacity build and help Omani companies of all sizes realise their export ambitions.
The Muscat and Salalah workshops were planned in partnership with ITC and designed to support local companies in their ambition to grow, while at the same time helping build well-integrated, sustainable, export-focused companies fit for the future.
Taleb al Makhmari, Ithraa’s Director-General for Marketing & Media concluded: “Whatever country you’re considering, industry you’re in or stage your business is at, Ithraa can help. Our Team offers impartial and free export advice to help Omani businesses understand international business practices, quality standards as well as export market opportunities. Working with ITC will undoubtedly help improve our efforts to increase Oman’s non-oil exports.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
