Latest news with #QaisMohammedAlYousef
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council continues discussion on statement of Commerce Minister
Muscat: For the second consecutive day, the Shura Council continued its discussion on the statement of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The Council members emphasised the need to intensify efforts and review strategies and policies to enhance the added value of the trade and industry sectors domestically, linking industries to available national resources. They also called for increasing Omanisation rates in the manufacturing sector, given its rapid growth, and stressed the importance of devising a plan to incentivise industrial companies to absorb national talent. During the session, the members of the Council highlighted the necessity of strengthening incentives and facilities to empower the industrial and commercial sectors. They also proposed establishing a national center to support stalled industrial projects. Additionally, the members discussed the significance of foreign investment as a solution to economic and social challenges, such as job creation and industrial expansion. They urged the creation of an attractive and flexible investment environment characterised by integration among relevant entities, while addressing obstacles that may hinder foreign investment efforts. The session also touched on the growing importance of e-commerce in Oman, with a proposal to establish a unified e-commerce portal under the Ministry's supervision to support local sellers and streamline licensing, payment, and delivery services. These discussions took place during the Council's 14th regular session of the second annual convening (2024-2025) of its 10th term (2023-2027). The session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, in the presence of its members and Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Forum in Algiers highlights Algerian-Omani Economic Partnerships
Algiers: The Algerian-Omani Business Forum, titled 'Algerian-Omani Economic Partnerships: Pioneering Fields and Promising Prospects," was held on Tuesday in the Algerian capital, as part of Oman's participation as the guest of honour at the 56th Algiers International Fair. Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasized that the organisation of this forum—attended by elite business leaders from both countries—reflects the mutual interest in strengthening relations, enhancing bilateral investment and exploring trade and investment opportunities to boost commercial exchange, imports and exports. In his speech, he stated that Oman seeks to diversify its imports, promote Omani exports and establish investment integration between the two nations. He noted that the forum aims to develop joint collaboration and expand the foundations of integration toward broader horizons, building a competitive economy that interacts with global markets, adapts to changes, and sustains national economic growth. He added that both governments are committed to providing all necessary facilities, incentives and enablers to empower the private sector in contributing to sustainable prosperity and development. The Minister expressed hope that Oman's participation as the guest of honor at the 56th Algiers International Fair would enhance investment and trade exchange between the two countries. He called on the private sectors in both nations to play their desired role, with both governments ready to provide all required support. On his turn, Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Internal Trade and Market Regulation of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, expressed pride in the historical and fraternal ties between the two countries, which have reached a strategic level of convergence and understanding in recent years. In his remarks, he highlighted the state visit of the President of Algeria to Oman in October 2024, followed by the state visit of His Majesty the Sultan to Algeria in May 2025, as pivotal milestones in Algerian-Omani relations. These visits culminated in a joint statement that clearly affirmed the leaders' commitment to strengthening bilateral partnership and elevating it to broader horizons, serving the mutual interests of both nations and peoples. He noted that Algerian-Omani economic cooperation has taken promising steps, reflected in major projects such as the fertilizer production complex in 'Arzew" city, valued at approximately $2.4 billion, and the establishment of the Algerian-Omani Investment Fund. Additionally, projects under study in sectors such as automobiles, energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture were discussed. He stressed the potential to expand economic cooperation into promising and vital sectors like tourism, services, cultural industries, and traditional crafts—areas where both countries possess significant potential and real investment opportunities. He called for doubling efforts to develop export-import channels and leveraging both nations' natural and human resources. Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the forum explored joint partnership opportunities and reviewed available investment prospects in both countries. He added that partnerships between investors in both nations are expected in various sectors, particularly manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, noting that the Algerian market is promising and strategically positioned to provide investors access to neighboring markets. The forum featured three panel discussions addressing investment opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, and urban development. Additionally, promotional presentations on investment in Oman and Algeria were showcased on the sidelines. Bilateral meetings were held between business leaders from both countries to explore joint trade and investment cooperation, including opening marketing channels for their products and establishing joint investment ventures. The forum was attended by Saif Nasser Al Badai, Ambassador of Oman to Algeria, along with several officials from the public and private sectors and some business leaders from both nations.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman, Algeria explore new avenues for trade, investment cooperation
Algiers, Algeria –Qais Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, held a series of high-level meetings with Algerian ministers and senior officials to explore ways to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Oman and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The discussions took place on the sidelines of Oman's participation as the guest of honour at the Algiers International Fair, reflecting the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. Yousef met separately with Saïd Grib, Minister of Industry; Kamel Rezig, Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion; Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Domestic Trade and Market Regulation; and Omar Rekkache, Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency. The meetings focused on activating existing agreements and memoranda of understanding, while identifying new areas of partnership in sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, and real estate. The two sides discussed facilitating joint projects, increasing trade volumes, and boosting cross-border investments through targeted incentives and streamlined procedures. Yousef stressed that these meetings reflect the spirit of the joint communique issued during the historic state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Algeria in May. He noted that the visit laid the groundwork for a new phase of strategic cooperation across multiple sectors. 'Algeria has shown strong interest in expanding its partnership with Oman, and we see a shared commitment to creating broader opportunities for investors and business leaders in both countries,' Yousef said. As part of the visit, the minister and his delegation toured the Rouiba Industrial Zone and visited leading Algerian companies, including the National Company for General Industries – a key player in energy and petroleum equipment manufacturing – as well as major producers in the dairy and sugar industries. The Omani delegation included Saif Nasser al Badai, Oman's Ambassador to Algeria; Faisal Abdullah al Rowas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Eng Dawood Salim al Haddabi, CEO of Madayn (Public Establishment for Industrial Estates); along with representatives from various government institutions, private sector entities, and prominent business leaders. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman, Algeria explore means of boosting economic and investment ties
Algiers — Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, met today with several Algerian ministers and senior officials to discuss means of enhancing economic, trade and investment cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The meetings took place on the sidelines of Oman's participation as the guest of honor at the Algiers International Fair. Al Yousef held separate discussions with Saïd Grib, Algeria's Minister of Industry, Kamel Rezig, Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Domestic Trade and Market Regulation and Omar Rekkache, Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency. The meetings focused on expanding cooperation and partnerships in industry, trade and investment by activating existing agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries. Discussions also covered means of facilitating joint projects, increasing trade volumes, and boosting bilateral investments. Key investment opportunities in manufacturing, food processing, and real estate sectors were explored, along with incentives and facilities offered to investors in both countries. Al Yousef emphasized that these meetings reflect the joint communique issued during the historic state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Algeria last May, which laid the foundation for a new phase of multifaceted cooperation. He affirmed both nations' commitment to strengthening industrial, commercial, and investment partnerships, noting Algeria's keen interest in creating broader opportunities for Omani business leaders and investors across economic sectors. As part of the visit, Al Yousef conducted a field tour of the Rouiba Industrial Zone and the National Company for General Industries, which specializes in energy and petroleum equipment, as well as companies in dairy and sugar production. The Omani delegation comprised Saif Nasser Al Badai, Oman's Ambassador to Algeria, Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Eng. Dawood Salim Al Haddabi, CEO of Madayn (Public Establishment for Industrial Estates), representatives from government and private sectors, as well as business leaders.
Times of Oman
20-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
National Museum hosts 'Neo-Russian Style' exhibition
Muscat — Within the frameworks of "The Russian Seasons,' the National Museum inaugurated today the "Neo-Russian Style" exhibition hosted in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum, under the patronage of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The exhibition, which will run until 2 November 2025, is dedicated to the bright period in the history of artistic life of the Russian Empire in the 1880s - 1910s, when "the Russian style" in art formed several decades earlier was experiencing its new rise. The features of the Neo-Russian style during the rule of the last emperors Alexander III and Nicholas II manifested themselves in the architecture of St. Petersburg, Moscow, large and small provincial towns of Russia, in works of painting, sculpture, decorative and applied art. Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary General of the National Museum, stated in his opening speech that the inauguration of this exhibition comes as part of a series of cultural events under the Russian Cultural Seasons, reflecting the ongoing interaction with cultural and museological institutions in the Russian Federation to strengthen the bonds of cultural and museological cooperation — the most recent of which was the launch of the National Museum's website in the Russian language. He added: "As part of cultural diplomacy, work is underway on a number of joint projects and events with the Russian Ministry of Culture, including the hosting of musical seasons at Bayt al-Greiza this coming October, as well as cooperation with the State Tretyakov Gallery to organize an exhibition on the pioneers of Omani fine art. In the same context, there is also collaboration with the Moscow Kremlin Museums to present the exhibition 'Imperial Russia and the East,' in addition to the launch of a dedicated Omani publications corner at both Chechen State University and the National Library of Russia, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation." On his turn, Oleg Vladimirovich Levin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Sultanate of Oman, stated in his speech that the exhibition sheds light on a period of Russian culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known as the peak of the "Russian style", which reflects the diversity of traditions of the Russian Empire as manifested in art, architecture, and daily life. He added that this exhibition represents an important step in strengthening the cultural dialogue between the Russian Federation and the Sultanate of Oman, as it demonstrates how art and tradition can serve as a bridge between nations in the pursuit of preserving the world's cultural heritage. During the ceremony, a video message from Professor Dr. Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum and member of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum, was presented. In his address, he expressed his delight at the opening of the exhibition "Neo-Russian Style", which illustrates the development of Russian culture from the 1880s to the 1910s. The exhibition showcases remarkable examples of applied arts and historical masquerade costumes that were worn at court balls in Imperial Russia. He also referred to the opening of the second exhibition under the Hermitage Museum Corner initiative, entitled "Gifts of the Emirs of Bukhara and Central Asia to the Russian Imperial Court", and expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming exhibition in the "Oman Hall" at the State Hermitage Museum. The exhibits include gifts to the Russian monarchs: tray dishes, saltcellars and fans. These items, like a mirror, reflected the idea of the unity of the people, the Church and the Tsar, formulated in the Russian Empire back in the first third of the 19th century as the official ideological triad. Among the exhibits is a silver presentation dish presented to Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna by oilmen from the Absheron Peninsula during their visit to the Caucasus in 1888 CE. The dish was crafted in the Russian style at the renowned jewelry factory of Ivan Khlebnikov. The exhibition also features a silver presentation salt cellar with Lid presented to Emperor Nicholas Il upon his return from his Eastern journey between 1890 and 1891. It was produced at the famous Pavel Ovchinnikov factory in Moscow and gifted to the emperor by artisans from the Southern Ural region. Additionally, the exhibits include a lace fan made from Vologda bobbin lace, featuring the letter "M" engraved on a yellow Stain Pad in Wooden Case. The fan belonged to Empress Maria Feodorovna and it dated 1883 CE. Also, on display is a Portrait of a young woman wearing a traditional Russian outfit, including the kokoshnik headdress, painted by artist Sofya Yunker-Kramskaya, dating back to the early 20th century. Of particular interest are the character costumes designed for the popular Russian-style costume parties of the time and made in the capital's shops by the best tailors for representatives of the imperial family and the highest aristocracy. Such parties were held both in the modest homes of ordinary townspeople and in the luxurious mansions of the Russian nobility, in halls rented for one evening by all sorts of charitable organizations, as well as in the glittering grand ducal and tsarist residences. It was during balls and masquerades, when costumes were the main component of the festivities, that the luxury and splendor of the Russian imperial court were manifested to the full extent. The Yusupov princes whose costumes will be on display at the exhibition were said to be incomparable organizers of masquerades and "historical balls" in St Petersburg. The most famous court masquerade in the Russian style was the grand ball of 1903 in the Winter Palace which specifically symbolized the greatness of the Romanov dynasty and received a wide public response. The luxurious costume of Grand Duchess Ksenia Aleksandrovna, a sister of Emperor Nicholas II, demonstrates the best the specific features of "the Russian style" in the costume of the early 20th century. It is worth noting that the National Museum inaugurated, at the beginning of February this year, the second exhibition within the "State Hermitage Museum Corner" initiative, titled "Gifts of Bukharan and Central Asia Emirs to the Russian Imperial Court." The exhibition marks the first event of the "Russian Seasons" in the Sultanate of Oman. It focuses on the deep and longstanding ties between Russia and the peoples of the East, highlighting the unique gifts presented by Eastern rulers to the Russian Imperial Court. The second exhibition under the "Oman Hall" initiative, organized by the National Museum at the State Hermitage Museum and titled "The Omani Empire Between Asia and Africa," attracted a total of 414,481 visitors between December 2023 and January 2025, reflecting strong interest among visitors in the rich cultural heritage of Oman. The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg is one of the largest museums in the world, housing a collection of over three million artefacts. Established in 1764, it is also one of the oldest museums globally and one of the most important tourist landmarks in Russia. The museum is renowned for its vast complex, including the Winter Palace, a historical landmark in its own right. The museum's collection spans diverse cultures, featuring artworks from Eastern Europe, Russia, Ancient Greece and Rome, the Near and Far East, and Central Asia. It also houses an extensive numismatic collection covering antiquity to modern times, as well as weapons from Western Europe, the Middle East, and Russia, alongside numerous archaeological discoveries. Each year, the museum welcomes approximately (4) million visitors. Its (500) exhibition galleries display over seventeen thousand paintings, (12.000) thousand sculptures, more than 1 million coins and medals, (800.000) archaeological artefacts, and over (360.000) applied arts objects. Additionally, the museum holds more than (600.000) graphic art pieces, making it one of the world's most significant cultural institutions.
