logo
Over 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect buyers to attend Canton Fair

Over 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect buyers to attend Canton Fair

Observer07-04-2025
Muscat: More than 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect buyers from Oman are expected to attend the Canton Fair Spring 2025, the China Import and Export Fair to be held from April 15 to May 5, 2025 in Guangzhou, China.
Currently in its 137th edition, the twice-a-year trade fair held in the spring and autumn seasons each year since the spring of 1957 in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, is the oldest, largest, and the most representative trade fair in China.
Last year, in its 136th Canton Fair, 1,046 Omani buyers attended the event against 636 Omani buyers who attended the 135th Canton Fair, according to the representative office in Muscat.
'With the changing times and the increasing demand for Chinese products and services in Oman along with the demand worldwide, we are expecting over 2,000 people to attend directly and 10,000 to take part indirectly from the Sultanate of Oman to the Canton Fair 2025,' said Lyu Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Oman.
He said that the Fair has already created a big curiosity among the Omanis and they visit in large numbers each year. They are interested to have tie ups and connections, oil, gas, AI, are all becoming more and more attractive to the people.
'Also, an increasing number of students are making use of the higher education possibilities in China while the demand for tourism too is on the rise and for the facilitation of trade and commerce with Oman, we are trying to have more logistical relations.'
He acknowledged that huge volumes of businesses are taking palce between Oman and China through the Canton fair and both B2B and B2C are taking place, the exact numbers of business are quite unavailable.
'However, the bilateral trade between the two countries has increased over the last 5 years when the exports of Oman to China have increased at an annualised rate of 9.84percent, from $18.9B in 2018 to $30.2B in 2023. Oman's imports from China in 2018, stood at $2.84B. The main products exported from China to Oman are Iron Pipes worth $310 million, Cars to the tune of $169 million, and Air Conditioners worth $133 million,' he said.
He further said that the lack of direct flights between Oman and Beijing has been a challenge and steps are being undertaken to initiate direct flights between the two. Also, measures are in place towards exception of visa requirement for Omanis.
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the provincial government of Guangdong Province and organised by China Foreign Trade Centre, the Canton Fair or China Import and Export Fair, is sorted into 16 categories of products, which will be exhibited in 51 sections at the National pavilion. More than 24,000 of China's best foreign trade corporations or enterprises are taking part in the fair. These include private enterprises, factories, scientific research institutions, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and foreign trade companies. This is one of the world's largest fairs which is eagerly waited for by the traders as well as individual customers worldwide.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

13 tonnes of local honey showcased in Salalah
13 tonnes of local honey showcased in Salalah

Observer

timean hour ago

  • Observer

13 tonnes of local honey showcased in Salalah

SALALAH: The 2025 edition of the Omani Honey and Turmeric Exhibition officially opened at the Grand Mall in Salalah. Organised by the Directorate-General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate, the exhibition — now in its third year — will run until the end of August and serves as a platform to promote high-quality local products and support entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. This year's event features the participation of a wide range of farmers and beekeepers, highlighting Dhofar's rich natural resources, especially in honey and turmeric production, both of which enjoy a strong reputation locally and internationally. Eng Fael bin Mohammed al Jahfali, Director-General of the Directorate, emphasised that the exhibition is part of ongoing efforts to support agricultural production chains and enhance the economic value of local products. 'We aim to create a supportive environment for SMEs, while also fostering partnerships between farmers, consumers, companies and specialised institutions,' he said. Dhofar's unique geography and diverse pastoral environments provide ideal conditions for year-round beekeeping. The governorate is renowned for a variety of honey types, including frankincense, sidr, gum Arabic, samr, Rub' al Khali flower, sarb season floral and wild tree honeys. Currently, the governorate has 132 registered beekeepers managing approximately 11,000 beehives, with an estimated annual production of 90 tonnes of honey. Turmeric farming, localised in the mountainous areas of Dhofar, is also seeing promising growth. The 2024 season produced over 90 tonnes, and projections for 2025 indicate a potential yield of at least 150 tonnes, reflecting its rising economic, nutritional and therapeutic significance. The exhibition showcases over 13 tonnes of honey from 16 participating beekeepers, along with a dedicated section for Omani turmeric products. The event was inaugurated by Dr Talib bin Ali al Siyabi, Director-General of Finance in Dhofar Governorate. - ONA

Khareef Dhofar opens new horizons for SMEs
Khareef Dhofar opens new horizons for SMEs

Observer

timean hour ago

  • Observer

Khareef Dhofar opens new horizons for SMEs

Muscat, July 27 Intense efforts are being made to develop, advance and support Omani youth to promote sustainable development through the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Dhofar Khareef season. Coinciding with the Dhofar Khareef season, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development seeks to highlight the contributions and innovative experiences of Omani projects and active SMEs across the various Dhofar Khareef locations, as they serve as visitor attractions and contribute to creating a unique tourism experience for the season. SMEs are participating in the Dhofar Khareef season to showcase their diverse products and services, opening new horizons for direct marketing and strengthening their presence in the local market. The Sultanate of Oman seeks to enhance the role of SMEs in supporting the national economy by empowering entrepreneurs and expanding their reach to a wider segment of visitors and consumers, in addition to highlighting their creativity in events accompanying the khareef season. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Mohammed al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, emphasised that the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025 devotes significant space to supporting Omani small and medium enterprises. This will enable Omani business owners to showcase their products to visitors, enhancing growth opportunities and highlighting the local character of the tourism experience. The work assigned by Dhofar Municipality to SMEs increased by RO 6.5 million by the end of the third quarter of 2024, compared to approximately RO 4 million in 2023. This growth in SME participation in Khareef Dhofar reinforces the partnership and integration approach between the Authority, government institutions, and the private sector in Dhofar Governorate, to continue efforts to stimulate and support the sustainable growth of SMEs in various events and activities held in Dhofar Governorate. The number of entrepreneurs benefiting from the activities and services provided by the event sites during the Khareef Dhofar last year 2024 reached approximately 328 business owners, both male and female. The activities implemented during the various tourism seasons also provided a range of temporary job opportunities for many SMEs and productive families in the governorate. Dhofar Municipality also provides ongoing support to SMEs throughout the governorate's various tourism seasons to strengthen their position in stimulating the tourism sector and support job seekers seeking to operate public sites and parks during the governorate's various tourism seasons. The khareef season in Dhofar Governorate represents a great opportunity to stimulate commercial and economic activity, contributing to strengthening and supporting the local economy, greatly benefiting businesses and society, and achieving sustainable development in the governorate.

'very event is delivered straight from the heart'
'very event is delivered straight from the heart'

Observer

timean hour ago

  • Observer

'very event is delivered straight from the heart'

Reema al Sajwani, a young Omani figure in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, which plays a significant role in the tourism industry, believes that every event that hosts people is delivered straight from the heart. The story of Reema, a leading female entrepreneur in the events industry, is an inspiring tale that showcases how courage, vision and clarity can lead to success. Her hard work and determination helped her overcome numerous challenges to become the successful woman she is today. Her name has become synonymous with the next wave of female entrepreneurs in the events industry after organising key events both in and outside of Oman in recent years. "No one knew who Reema al Sajwani was when I organised my first event, but I am grateful that I introduced myself through high-quality performance and achieved my goals," said Reema, the Founder and Chairperson of Reema Integrated Projects Company, a renowned event management firm. She has successfully organised fashion shows, events and exhibitions and is a member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "In today's competitive business environment, the events industry is an excellent career choice for women aspiring to be entrepreneurs. Role models like Reema show that success is achievable and may inspire the next generation of women to start their own event management companies," she affirmed. Reema has received numerous accolades and her organisation was recognise by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for five consecutive years as the most supportive firm for managing events and conferences to aid SMEs. "The journey has never been smooth. There were turbulence and storms, but I overcame them all and sailed to success because I always believed that challenges are the secret to success. I believed in myself and my abilities to achieve my goals and I did," she smiled. According to Reema, SMEs are crucial for a nation's development as they are the primary engine of economic growth, job creation and social progress. They contribute to GDP, drive innovation and enhance economic competitiveness. Reema's efforts to empower SMEs are commendable. She has supported several SMEs with her exceptional leadership, event management skills and entrepreneurial expertise. Reema believes that effective leadership is essential for business growth and long-term success and her company, Reema Integrated Projects Company, has been expanding horizontally under her astute leadership. In addition to her strong educational background, Reema is a researcher in entrepreneurship innovation, holds a certificate in the exhibition industry, and has a diploma in fashion design. She has been recognised as one of the guiding stars among other Arab women leaders who have made significant contributions to the events industry recently.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store