Companies from Oman, especially those operating in areas such as food processing and manufacturing, are optimistic that they would be able to launch new joint ventures with Qatari firms in the days to come.
Interaction with participants at the Omani Products Exhibition, which concluded at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), revealed that the visitors were pleased with the response they received from Qatar-based companies.
Officials of at least three Omani organisations said they were "immensely satisfied" with the interest shown by local firms in Doha, stressing that they were looking forward to doing business with such companies in the future.
On the final day of the exhibition, agreements were signed between companies from Qatar and Oman on exploring the possibility of setting up joint ventures in more areas of manufacturing. Some of the signings were held in the presence of senior officials of Qatar Chamber.
A representative of an Omani company specialising in dairy products said they were optimistic of entering the Qatar market through a joint venture.
"There is enough space for companies like ours and this is evident from the business we have generated in the last two months," said the operations manager of a poultry firm from Muscat.
Speaking to Gulf Times, a Qatar Chamber official said investors would be encouraged to set up more manufacturing units in areas such as food processing and production. "Besides providing bank loans at attractive rates, land would also be provided to entrepreneurs on a war footing," the official said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony. Up to 60% capital is sometimes provided to investors, he added.
"Initiatives such as Manateq show the keenness of Qatar in attracting major investments to set up ventures in special economic zones," he noted.
Besides foodstuff, enquiries found that local businessmen were also keen to enhance the production of key components for the construction industry. Similarly, some of the local entrepreneurs demonstrated interest in setting up units for the manufacture of construction equipment and machinery, in collaboration with their Omani counterparts.
Qatari and Omani Companies sign ferry transport agreement
Qatari company Trans Oceans yesterday signed an agreement with Omani maritime transport company Naseera to facilitate the movement of ferries transporting goods, equipment, cars and tourists between Oman and Qatar, QNA reported.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Omani Products Exhibition by Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed Johar Said al-Mohammed and Naseera executive director Ahmed Said al-Humaidi.
