Muscat: On Wednesday, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organized a meeting in Muscat with U. S. trade officials to discuss the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) established between Oman and the United States.
The primary focus of the meeting was to pinpoint significant obstacles that prevent exporters and importers in the Omani private sector from fully utilizing the terms of the agreement.
The talks included a review of the tariffs imposed by the U. S. and the Omani private sector's desire for these tariffs on their exports to be reconsidered.
Another key topic was the establishment of Oman’s new commercial office in the United States, which is projected to be operational soon. This office is expected to facilitate greater Omani exports to the U. S. while also attracting American goods and investments into Oman.
Additionally, a workshop took place concurrently, gathering Omani and American stakeholders including exporters, importers, and investors to discuss hurdles that impact their trade and investment efforts.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, the Chairman of OCCI's Board of Directors, stated that the FTA acts as a vital instrument for enhancing the economy and broadening market access for Omani goods in the U. S. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between governmental bodies and the private sector in order to fully leverage the benefits of the agreement.
Al Rowas mentioned that OCCI is actively assessing the challenges faced by Omani private companies in reaching global markets, particularly in the U. S. , while exploring ways to ensure the smooth movement of goods and services aligned with international standards.
Present at the meeting were the Assistant U. S. Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East, along with the Director for European and Middle Eastern Affairs at the Office of the U. S. Trade Representative.
