As many as 30 top Omani businesses are participating in an ongoing exhibition at Mall of Qatar (MoQ). The four-day event has been organised by Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export development agency, in partnership with the Sultanate’s Public Authority for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Riyada, and Oman’s embassy in Doha.

The exhibition, which opened on Thursday, has been designed to introduce Omani SMEs working in the craft, fashion and food sector to the Qatari market, as well as boost the Sultanate’s exports of jewellery, food, cosmetics and fragrances, according to a press statement.

“Oman’s growing craft, fashion and food industry is dominated by SMEs. And, given the underlying skill and talent in our creative industries and their growing international reputation, we are confident the MoQ show will prove popular with our Qatari hosts,” Ithraa’s director of Export Facilitation Maymuna al-Adawi said. “We ran the same show last year in Doha and that proved to be highly successful, with the participating firms winning a sizeable amount of business,” al-Adawi added.

Held under the patronage of Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, the response from Oman’s creative industries sector to participate in the event "has been highly favourable", the statement notes. “Market research suggests there are clear opportunities for Omani craft, fashion and food businesses to break into Qatar’s sophisticated and lucrative market,” said Omani ambassador Najeeb bin Yahya al-Balushi.

“GCC consumers understand the importance of provenance and are searching for authentic products, whether that is with food or in the personal care product space,” the envoy noted. MoQ CEO Khaled Sam Hosn added, “We’re delighted to be hosting the Omani SME show, it will give our savvy Qatari shoppers the opportunity to discover the wonders of Omani craftsmanship, fashion and food. I’m sure the participating Omani businesses will make quite an impression.”


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