Muscat: The esteemed Omani-Bahraini Products Exhibition, in its fourth iteration, was inaugurated today, hosted by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society. This collaborative event, in partnership with the branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry within the Dhofar Governorate, as well as the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Sultanate of Oman, has commenced its ten-day tenure in the Wilayat of Salalah.
The celebratory commencement of this exhibition was marked by the presence of His Excellency Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He outlined the objective of the event, stating: "The exhibition is designed to promote local and Gulf-market relevance of Omani products, under the guidance of a national committee committed to enhancing the promotion of national products across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including promising markets, within the broader target audience of the Chamber."
A highlight of the exhibition is the participation of approximately 33 entrepreneurs from both Oman and Bahrain. The event is taking place at the esteemed Salalah Grand Mall and aims to support these entrepreneurs in their endeavors to create employment opportunities, bolster trade exchange, and foster partnerships through diverse initiatives.
His Excellency Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Sultanate of Oman, delivered an inaugural speech, noting, "The fourth edition of this exhibition marks a continuation of the achievements realized in its three preceding editions, underscoring the significant role of entrepreneurs in the promotion of economic growth and the opening of new markets between the two nations."
Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi further emphasized, "This exhibition is a testament to the cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at supporting and developing entrepreneurs within the context of the strategic plans and objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and Bahrain Vision 2030. The initiatives and programs undertaken, both at the economic and commercial levels, have added substantial value to the breadth of activities and relations between Muscat and Manama."
Moreover, Nayef bin Hamid Fadel, the Head of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch located in the Dhofar Governorate, highlighted the critical role played by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society in fortifying the economic frontiers of the two nations, promoting trade in various industries, and attracting investments that will contribute to the evolution of future sectors.
In his statement to the Oman News Agency, Nayef bin Hamid Fadel commented: "The bilateral trade volume between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain reached OMR 240.4 million by the conclusion of 2023. The scale of Omani merchandise exports to Bahrain stood at 41.6 million Omani riyals, while Bahrain's merchandise imports from Oman totaled OMR 198.8 million at the end of the year."
The representative elaborated on the predominant exports from the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Bahrain, stating that the primary commodities shipped include electrical cables and foodstuffs, with iron ores and diesel fuels ranking as the principal imports from Bahrain.
In regard to the significance of the event, Rudina bint Amer Al-Hajriyah, the President of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society, noted that the exhibition forms part of a broader series of events, exhibitions, and conferences held in coordination with the Embassy of Bahrain to Oman and the respective association. This initiative is aimed at fortifying bilateral ties across trade and investment sectors, offering a platform for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs to showcase their products, thereby enhancing their production capabilities.
These exhibitions serve as a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs to market and promote their offerings. Within this framework, Sheikha Bint Ali Al Balushi, an entrepreneur from Oman and a participant in the exhibition, highlighted the marketing advantage these events provide for Omani products. She explained that the showcase of national products manufactured to high standards through this direct interaction with consumers helps in refining goods and products, thus emphasizing the reliance on domestic production and a reduction in reliance on imports.
Furthermore, Mohammed Al Nattif, a skilled craftsman specializing in heritage model making and a participant from Bahrain, discussed how the rich heritage of Oman serves as a source of inspiration for artists. He praised the intricate details found in Omani heritage buildings and castles across the various states of the Sultanate of Oman, noting that his involvement in the exhibition contributes to the dissemination of Omani culture and heritage.
