JEDDAH — The fourth Omani Products Exhibition (OPEX) will be held at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Forums on May 18-21, with the participation of more than 120 Omani companies representing various industrial sectors such as food and construction, electricity, furniture, marble tiles and other products. In cooperation with Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the four-day exhibition aims to promote trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Aiman Al Hosani, deputy chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and head of the organizing committee, said organizing such exhibitions allows citizens and residents in Jeddah to know the Omani products, their high quality and specifications that are at par with imported products. He pointed out that the exhibition includes food and beverages, textiles and garments, minerals and metals, equipment and machinery, and furniture, as well as paper, plastic, nonmetallic, petrochemical, chemical, fabricated metal and recycled products. “The exhibition will be a good opportunity to familiarize Saudi businessmen and investors with advantages of Omani products and their abilities to meet needs of the local and regional markets.” Al Hosani said the continuation in organizing such exhibition comes from the success achieved by local companies in the previous exhibition in Riyadh as it managed to attract more than 4,000 visitors. Moreover, a number of Omani companies signed MoUs with Saudi investors to ensure exports of more than 30 orders of various products. Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), organizer of the event, said “we hope this exhibition will serve as a strategic investment opportunity and we are optimistic the exhibition will achieve its objectives in realizing the joint interests of both countries.” He added "the Omani products exhibition is considered a great opportunity for Saudi investors and companies to explore the Omani market. Being held in Jeddah, OPEX is expected to see great success as Jeddah is the business hub and gateway to international trade, allowing participating companies to expand in a very strong global market." Oman's trade relations with Saudi Arabia has seen a sharp rise since 2011, increasing by an overall 73%, while the Sultanate's non-oil exports to Saudi surged by 90% in 2013. Aiming to grow this long-standing trade relationship, the Oman – Saudi Trade and Investment Forum will help identify new business opportunities and areas of collaboration that will be mutually beneficial. — SG
