What are OCIPED's primary focus areas for pro moting investment in Oman?

OCIPED's focus is on non-oil sectors, such as tourism, IT, agriculture, education and manufacturing as priority sectors. Nevertheless, we do explore other areas of opportunities.

The service sector in Oman is still underdeveloped, contributing less than 10 per cent to the Gross National Product (GDP). We strongly believe that the service sector could provide one of the alternatives in Oman's economic diversification, and we will make determined efforts in this direction next year. We will identify private service sectors and individual international companies/organizations in this sector and work to attract them to Oman.

OCIPED has entertained equal share of investment mainly from the Gulf, European and Far East nations. Furthermore, we expect more American investments after the finalisation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the country.

Many Gulf countries have shown keen interest and willingness to invest in tourism-related projects, many of which are already in the pipeline.

How far has OCIPED been successful in luring Indian filmmakers to Oman?

We have conducted studies on the subject of attracting Indian filmmakers and the results are encouraging. We feel Oman can play a vital role in the Indian movie industry. A few movies have been shot here. From the tourism perspective, it is a very good idea.

Based on the research findings, we have designed a website, www.screenoman.com, which promotes Oman's amazing landscapes and scenery for filmmakers. The website also has information on the local companies which can help producers with information and assistance on visas, hotel accommodation, transport, locations, etc. Discussions are on to transfer the website's ownership to the Ministry of Tourism, which, we feel, is the Ministry to promote Oman to film makers.

What incentives do you offer filmmakers to shoot in Oman?

Since we are new to this field, we have to carefully design certain procedures/incentives to boost interest in Oman among the industry people. The website provides some guidelines on procedures and requirements and available logistics to those interested in coming to Oman.

Can you spell out OCIPED's export strategy?

Our strategy is to provide a push to the government's efforts in promoting exports, through short term and long-term goals. Short tem and long term goals are defined based on several criteria’s for instance the revenues they would fetch, the number of markets they would enter. A detailed study is carried out on how to approach the market and to check the feasibility of the product. Once the results turn out to be fruitful trade delegations are carried out in order to link the manufacturer and the buyer. OCIPED has been successful in each of its activities, which has helped Oman to develop relationship between countries like Sudan, Libya, Syria, Republic of Yemen.

Every year more than 90 visits are made to different industrial parts of the country, from North to South, to understand the problems faced by factories, to study their plans (if they have any), provide help in their future developments and provide opportunities to exhibit their products. These visits played a vital role in increasing in the exports of Omani products since 1999. Initially we started with 14 products to export and then onwards there has been a gradual increase in the figures. Last year, 26 products from various sectors were marked for exports to foreign countries.

How does OCIPED operate?

We work through a network of representatives who are chosen from different parts of the world. As of now 13 representatives have registered online and the number is likely to increase.

One good example is that of a representative who has identified a Canadian company, Alcan Inc. to build an aluminum smelter in Oman for Sohar Aluminum.OCIPED periodically organizes road shows and exhibitions to create an image of Oman as an investment destination and source of quality products.

Does OCIPED play a supportive role to young entrepreneurs? In what areas do you help the entrepreneurs?

OCIPED provides facilitation, gives information on contacts, networking, leasing and acquiring license. We also recommend banks, which could sanction loans once the individual has a project that would potentially benefit the economy.
OCIPED co-ordinates with other agencies, such as Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Manpower, Oman Chamber of Commerce &Industry, Oman Development Bank, Export Guarantee & Financing Agency, public establishment for industrial estates, Muscat secußrities market to help new entrepreneurs.