On 28 August 2024, the Omani-Belarusian Business Forum discussed means to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries. The Forum also discussed ways to promote trade exchanges and minimise hurdles that investors face. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organised the forum, focusing on numerous economic areas, including tourism, logistics, industry, importing and exporting, information and communication technologies (ICT), and food security.
The acting OCCI Chairman, Eng. Hamoud Salim Al Sa’adi remarked that the OCCI has been doing a commendable job in promoting economic and trade relations with Belarus over the last few years. It has conducted many high-level visits that generated positive results. On his part, the head of the Belarusian delegation, Mr. Bogdanov Alexei, Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade in the Republic of Belarus, asserted that the Forum reflects Belarus’ desire to enhance relations with Oman. Minister Bogdanov further stated that Oman’s economy has a promising market for Belarusian products in Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In this regard, the minister said that the forum will help enhance bilateral relations between the two countries in industrial production, information technology, and agriculture. He reiterated that Belarus wished to provide support in the field of ICT. Belarus owns an incubator with several companies working in the ICT field.
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Belarus and member of the OCCI Board, Dr. Abdullah Masoud Al Harthy, mentioned that the Omani private sector views Belarus as a promising investment and economic partner owing to the efforts towards developing opportunities and areas for cooperation. He added that the Omani-Belarusian Business Forum allowed business owners in both countries to enhance bilateral relations, explore opportunities in trade and investment, and facilitate import, export, and shipping routes in common interest.
The OCCI and the Belarusian National Centre for Marketing and Price Study signed an MoU during the Forum to enhance trade cooperation. The MoU facilitates the exchange of information related to external trade, opportunities for production and importing, and the business environment.
The Oman National Engineering and Investment Company (ONEIC) and Belarus Hi-Tech Park Company also signed an ICT and advanced technology MoU.
Finally, the Omani Euro Food Industries SAOG and Minsk Dairy Factory also signed an MoU to cooperate in Oman’s retail business. The MoU also increases the possibility of expanding the business to neighbouring markets and countries.
The Forum also displayed the various commercial and investment opportunities in Oman. It further highlighted projects that are being implemented considering the Oman Vision 2040. Several meetings were held between Omani and Belarusian businesspeople on the sidelines of the Forum.
Apart from Mr. Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman, several other dignitaries from both sides participated in the crucial Forum.
