MUSCAT: French Foreign Trade Advisers (FFTA) Oman Vice-President Michel Morillon said that it is the responsibility of foreign companies in Oman to train Omanis and boost the quality of human resources in the country.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the FFTA bi-annual business gathering attended by French ambassador-designate Roland Dubertrand, top executives from Omani and French companies and government officials. The FFTA, present in 135 countries, advises the French government on trade policy with their host country.
Morillon, who is also Director of training at the Middle East Desalination Research Centre, said “if Oman invites a company to set up business here, we accept the responsibility to train Omanis”.
Morillon said they recently advised the French government on the impact of Omanisation on companies, adding, “it has both strengths and constraints”.
The companies, he said, “have found that Omanis trained in management in the US and UK are good but those trained in technical and vocational skills lack practical experience. They should be helped in overcoming this gap”.
Morillon said they would like to see more medium-sized French companies come to Oman and enter into joint ventures, as it is difficult for small companies to approach big companies. “The French company can bring the product and technology and the local company will contribute with knowledge of the country and business culture,” he added.
Companies that come to Oman do so because they want to be here and those who want to do business in the Gulf Cooperation Council states go to Dubai, he said.
Sebastien Vincent, who is also VP FFTA, said Oman can benefit from France’s experience in developing its tourism industry. France can share with local industry what it has done in its cities, heritage, in Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions segment, regional programmes and in the development of islands like Reunion and French Polynesia.
