MUSCAT: Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export promotion agency has launched club designed to provide local businesses with a network that will help small companies begin to export.
The Export Club, launched with the support of the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and leading businesses from across the country, will also tackle challenges facing current exporters in international markets.
Nasima Al Balushi, Ithraa’s director general of Export Development, said: “Omani exporters face a range of challenges in today’s increasingly competitive global market.”
“Some are external, ranging from exchange rates, transport, communication to raw material costs, others are internal, where companies have the opportunity to take the initiative to drive change forward in innovation; design; marketing; training; technology; and logistics.
“The Export Club has been created to help local non-oil exporters tackle these issues, prosper and grow internationally. I firmly believe that exporting is good for Omani business, good for Omani workers and good for Omani jobs. When Oman exports, Oman prospers,” she noted.
Oman has many export success stories, where companies are competing globally, not just on price, but by adding value using innovation, higher skills, investment and good business practice to create goods and services that people want to buy. Today, Omani companies are selling goods in over 136 countries, from fibre optic cables, batteries, luxury perfumes, automotive spare parts, marble, and furniture to food production.
“We have world class exporters. The challenge for the sector is for more companies to match the performance of the best,” said Al Balushi.
“Ithraa has always been on the frontline of international trade, providing practical support and guidance to business at local and international levels.
“The Export Club will be an invaluable addition to our portfolio of business support services. Indeed, it will provide current and potential exporters with a platform to exchange views, keep up-to-date with new developments in a rapidly changing global business environment as well as feedback to government on export bottlenecks and obstacles,” she added.
Founded in 1996, Ithraa is a government-run, ISO and Investor in People certified inward investment and export promotion agency.
