Oman Investment Forum 2012 reveals insights into dynamic investment opportunities in Oman

Organised by MEED Events in association with their strategic event partner, the Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export Development (PAIPED) the Oman Investment Forum 2012 is now in its second edition. Senior executives from both organisations made welcoming addresses as the forum opened and mentioned that they received phenomenal response on the first day of the event.

Al Bustan Palace became an exclusive congregation of Oman's business and investment community as Government officials revealed their vision, strategic roadmap, investor incentives and provided an overview of current and new business opportunities in Oman's project market. His Excellency Mohammad Al-Zubair, Advisor to His Majesty for Economic Planning Affairs declared the forum open, followed by a keynote and presentations by several high profile ministers and businessmen.

HE Yahya Said Al Jabri, Chairman of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm delivered the keynote which comprised of a holistic overview on the key milestones achieved at Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He also presented about the upcoming infrastructure project opportunities for consultants, contractors and service providers in each of the development phases for Duqm SEZ.

HH Sayyid Faisal Al Said Director General of Marketing and Media commented, "For over fifteen years PAIPED has played a crucial role in inviting the interest of international companies and promoting the Sultanate's non-oil produce. The fact that this edition of the Oman Investment Forum has been so well received will facilitate and hearten PAIPED to build on and harnesses the skills, networks and support of public and private sector partners to deliver investment and export success to Oman."

Ministerial representatives speaking at the event included HE Salim Al Aufi, CEO, Public Authority for Civil Aviation who spoke on the latest developments and opportunities for Oman's regional airports and HE Dr Ali Talib al Hinai, Undersecretary Planning, Ministry of Health, who presented an overview of Oman's healthcare facilities construction master plan.

Day one of the conference saw discussions focusing on macroeconomic trends for the Omani economy, key issues in the transportation sector including the significant investment in ports and free zones across the country and the potential for major growth opportunities in Oman's successful tourism sector. This was followed by a special panel on "Doing Business in Oman" where discussions reviewed the processes and requirements for setting up a business, operating in Oman and dispute resolution in the region.

"Oman has constantly demonstrated a desirable climate of economic optimism and confidence that has clearly grown steadily owing to the coexistence of the public and private sector," said Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman MEED Events. "The Sultanate of Oman is clearly a very dynamic place for business and its prospects are excellent at both a regional and international level. We are delighted by the response that the second edition of the Oman Investment Forum has seen this year; it reinforces our belief that now is the time to invest in and do business with Oman," he added.

The second day of the conference will focus on the utilities sector covering power and water and wastewater treatment, industrial sectors with a focus on oil and gas in addition to a discussion on social infrastructure in the areas of education and affordable housing plus a panel on healthcare.

"The Oman Investment Forum 2012 has been an exclusive opportunity to be privy to the latest on Oman's economy and the updated expenditures for Oman's major sectors from 2013 to 2015. This year's response to the event is overwhelming and exceedingly encouraging; the success of this forum, year on year has strengthened PAIPED's conviction that Oman offers outstanding investment opportunities for companies based in Oman and prospective international investors," said Faris Al Farsi, Director General for Investment at PAIPED.

The event was preceded by a Masterclass on 07 October hosted by Sridhar Sridharan, Managing Partner -Ernst & Young Oman on "Successfully setting up a business and operating in Oman" which was followed by an exclusive dinner at one of Oman's leading tourism development destinations - the stunning Jebel Sifah for early registering international delegates.

The Oman Investment Forum 2012 is being organised by MEED Events and their strategic event partner the Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export Development (PAIPED).