Oman highlights trade, investment potential at 56th Algiers Fair

Observer

5 days ago

ALGIERS: President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria inaugurated the Sultanate of Oman's pavilion as guest of honour at the 56th Algiers International Fair on Monday. The fair, which runs until June 28, is being held at the Exhibition Palace in the Algerian capital.
Accompanied by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the president toured the 900-square-metre Omani pavilion featuring participation from 60 Omani companies and institutions representing industrial, commercial and service sectors, along with several government entities.
This participation reaffirms the distinguished fraternal and economic relations between Oman and Algeria, building on the foundations laid during the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Algeria last May, which established a new phase of comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
The Omani companies at the pavilion represent diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, transportation, electrical conversions, real estate, fisheries, tourism, food products and handicrafts.
Al Yousef emphasised that Oman's participation as the guest of honour came in response to an official invitation from the Algerian president, as confirmed in the joint communique during His Majesty the Sultan's visit. He noted the participation includes major, medium and small enterprises that will enhance trade opportunities between the two countries, with particular representation from the pharmaceutical, construction materials and food industries, along with dedicated sections for handicrafts and cultural displays.
In his statement to ONA, Al Yousef highlighted that the Algiers International Fair, with participation from over 20 countries, provides an excellent platform to showcase Oman's commercial, investment and cultural offerings. He noted the Algerian president's appreciation for the diversity and quality of Omani industries displayed at the pavilion.
The Algiers International Fair provides an excellent platform to showcase Oman's commercial, investment and cultural assets.
Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), stated that this participation represents an important opportunity to strengthen Oman's external economic presence and reflects the depth of fraternal and economic relations between the two countries. He emphasised the growing role of Oman's private sector in international economic forums and its contribution to expanding trade and investment horizons between the two nations.
In his remarks to ONA, he underlined the Chamber's commitment to active participation in international exhibitions to open new prospects for the private sector in building sustainable partnerships abroad while promoting Omani products.
He pointed out that this participation will highlight the competitiveness of Omani products and enhance international investors' confidence in national capabilities and the growth potential of Omani institutions, while also providing opportunities to learn from successful experiences in the Algerian market.
Meanwhile, Saif bin Nasser al Badai, Ambassador of Oman to Algeria, stated that Oman's participation as guest of honour aims to explore trade and investment exchange opportunities between the two countries, and examine potential partnerships and export possibilities to the Algerian market and regional markets.
In his statement to ONA, he noted that Oman's participation in the 56th Algiers International Fair will enhance its commercial and investment presence internationally while opening new horizons for Omani and Algerian private sectors to build sustainable partnerships supporting economic diversification and regional integration efforts.
For his part, Eng Dawood bin Salim al Haddabi, CEO of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) and Chairman of 'OPEX' Committee for Omani Products Promotion, explained that the supervisory team's participation – represented by Madayn, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority – builds on the longstanding relations between Oman and Algeria.
He added that this aligns with OPEX's plans to establish footholds for Omani products in the promising Algerian market of nearly 40 million consumers, while also accessing Mediterranean region markets through Algeria's strategic ports. These markets have growing demand for various products including consumer goods, plastic and aluminium products, and construction materials.
Al Haddabi noted that the OPEX team aims through this participation to develop non-oil Omani exports and secure new markets as part of its annual plans, while facilitating deals for participating companies or securing distribution agencies for their products in Algeria and neighbouring markets. Such participations play a vital role in achieving positive outcomes that increase production, generate job opportunities for Omanis and ultimately boost the national economy.
The Algiers International Fair stands as one of the most prominent international economic events, showcasing national economic development and production capabilities while enhancing commercial and professional exchanges through creating an environment conducive to partnerships and foreign direct investment across various sectors.
The 2024 edition featured participation from about 700 national and foreign exhibitors from approximately 20 countries active in multiple sectors, including manufacturing, food industries, construction, services and petrochemical industries.
The opening ceremony of Oman's pavilion was attended by representatives from various government and private entities and business leaders from both countries. - ONA