MUSCAT: The pavilion of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) at the annual food and hospitality fair, Gulfood 2018, in Dubai, has been receiving significant feedback from international investors, business owners, producers, and those interested in the food industry. Omani companies participating under the umbrella of PEIE have received demands for export, new contract deals and renewed existing deals.
The growing popularity of the Sultanate’s pavilion at Gulfood 2018 is a clear indication of the reputation enjoyed by quality Omani products at regional and international levels, Hamood Al Balushi, director of Omani Products’ Department at PEIE’s Directorate General of Marketing and Media, said.
It is vital for Omani firms to be present at platforms such as Gulfood, where more than 5,000 regional and international companies are participating. This kind of participation can play a role in developing production lines in factories and boosting exports to current and potential markets, which will eventually reflect in the increasing contribution of the industrial sector in the Sultanate’s GDP and more job opportunities for national cadres,” Al Balushi said.
He added that PEIE was focusing on participating in various international events, while remarking that PEIE had recently participated in the International Fair of Khartoum and will soon take part, for the first time, in the Kuwait International Agro Food Expo in March. Further, PEIE will take part in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase in April.
He further said the exhibition industry has become important for growth and development of companies. “Omani firms have to concentrate on participating in exhibitions in order to compete in internal and external markets. This year, Opex will be organised in Kenya taking into account that Africa remains one of the promising markets,” he noted.
Ziad Al Wahaibi, sales officer at Dhofar Cattle Feed Company, said participation in Gulfood saved time, while reaching the widest target and exploring new markets for a company’s products.
