National Chamber to host Omani Ambassador

Monday, 22 January 2018 01:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ambassador of Oman to Sri Lanka, Al-Sheikh Jumah Hamdan Al-Shehhi, will be the Special Guest speaker at the ‘Meet the Ambassador’ program on ‘Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Oman’ on 30 January at the National Chamber of Commerce of Si Lanka from 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at No. 450 D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha Colombo 10.

The participants will get an opportunity to have a dialogue with the Ambassador and other officials of the embassy and get information on trade matters concerning Oman and services available for Sri Lankans from officials of the Omani Embassy.

One of the world’s fast-growing free ports, Oman is interested in tea and offers zero custom duties, tax exemptions and other benefits, according to a visiting Foreign Ministry official from Oman. The country also welcomes the establishment of other designated clusters - rubber, plastics, ceramics, food and perishables and steel and iron. The 11,000-acre Sohar Free Zone is Oman’s joint venture with the Port of Rotterdam and is one of the fastest developing port cum economic zones in the world therefore a vast amount of space is available for Sri Lankan exporters too, the Omani officials stated.

Oman is the 59th largest export economy in the world and 13th export destination among Middle East countries to Sri Lanka. Total trade between Oman and Sri Lanka was $ 45 million in 2016, the value of exports was $ 7 million and imports amounted to $ 38 million.

Exports from Sri Lanka to Oman include desiccated coconut, tea, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, processed food, etc. whilst imports from Oman to Sri Lanka comprise petroleum products, light oils, polymers, unwrought aluminium and amino resins.

Oman has oil reserves and is categorised as a high-income economy and ranks as the 70th most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Oman is a monarchy and the current Sultan of Oman has been in power since 1970 and is the longest serving ruler in the Middle East, along with being the hereditary leader of the Al Said Dynasty.

To register for the event contact the chamber on 4741788 through Mrs. Fouad or Nishanthi or email [email protected] or [email protected].