OABC News - Oman American Business Council (OABC)

OABC highlights financing opportunities for Omani companies with the Export-Import Bank of the United States, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Muscat

In line with its mission to foster the development of trade and commercial activity between Oman and the United States, the Oman American Business Center (OABC) hosted an informational webinar on March 3, entitled ‘Introduction to the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM),’ in partnership with the U.S. Embassy

Muscat.

The session featured opening remarks by OABC Vice President Fouad Eid, H.E. Asila bint Salim al-Samsami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, and U.S. Ambassador Leslie Tsou, followed by a presentation by Rick Angiuoni, Business Development Specialist and Regional Director of Africa, EXIM.

Mr. Angiuoni discussed the International Buyers Program, with loan guarantees and direct loans for international companies, long-term financing of up to 14 years, and details on accessing specific opportunities. He also led the Q + A.

If you were unable to attend or would like to review the session, please find the full recording here and the presentation here.

Rick also expressed his willingness to be contacted by members, so please save his address for your records: rick.angiuoni@exim.gov.

What is EXIM?

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM supports the purchases of US-made capital equipment and ancillary services by creditworthy international buyers that cannot obtain credit through traditional trade finance sources. EXIM offers trade financing solutions and helps turn business opportunities into real transactions.

EXIM does not compete with private-sector lenders but provides financing products that fill the gaps in trade financing. It assumes country and credit risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. EXIM also helps to level the playing field for U.S. companies by matching the financing that other governments provide to their exporters. In more than 85 years of operation, EXIM has supported more than $400 billion of U.S. exports to international markets.

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Workforce Planning: Immigration, Travel, and Labor Policies: OABC hosts key session for executives in Oman

In line with its mission to update, inform, and connect Oman’s business community, the Oman American Business Center (OABC) hosted ‘Workforce Planning: Key Trends in Immigration, Travel, and Labor Policies’, with speakers from Fragomen, CMS Oman, and Qatar Airways on February 22, for OABC members and special guests.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly created significant obstacles for companies in Oman, especially regarding workforce requirements,” says Rebecca Olson, Executive Director of the OABC. “There is an increased need to respond quickly and effectively to employee mobility challenges while continuing to comply with evolving travel requirements, increased focus on Omanization and precautionary restrictions. Planning is vital to ensure companies navigate this complex landscape,” says Shayan Sultan, Director of Fragomen.

Given the strategic importance of maintaining and refreshing the talent in Oman, the session examined current immigration and labor policies, and discussed what workforce planning and mobilization look like for companies now and in the near future.

Shayan Sultan, Director – Middle East and North Africa at Fragomen, Ajay Jacob, Regional Manager GCC at Qatar Airways, and Ben Ewing, Partner at CMS Oman, each presented in turn, leaving time for Q & A.

The Oman American Business Center (OABC) is best known for hosting high-level professional networking events and informational sessions for professionals across the Sultanate.

As the official affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman, the OABC is devoted to supporting the development of commercial relations between Oman and the U.S., and also focuses heavily on networking Oman’s business community through unique events, knowledge-sharing events, and programs year-round.

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Intellectual Property Law Updates in the Region, including GCC Patent Office Developments

On February 15, OABC partnered with five other AmChams in the GCC region for a live webinar on “Intellectual Property Law Updates in the Region, including GCC Patent Office Developments” with Peter C. Mehravari, U.S. Intellectual Property Attache for Middle East and Africa Patent Attorney.

Peter has also offered one-to-one support for OABC members. Members that wish to reach out to him, please email us for the contact details.

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U.S. Political Panel Forum

On February 10th, OABC partnered with five other AmChams in the GCC region for a live webinar on “U.S. Political Panel Forum”.

The event offered a bi-partisan look at the current U.S. political landscape, and included an interactive Q + A session.

In case you missed it or would like to review the session, you can access the webinar recording here. In addition, here are two articles that are relevant to the U.S. Political Panel discussion:

“Polarization and the Decline of Economic Voting in American National Elections” co-authored by Dr. Joseph Ura, one of the panelists.

“Michigan’s Top Republican Falsely Calls U.S. Capitol Attack A ‘Hoax‘” from Dr. Clyde Wilcox as a follow up to one of the discussions.

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OABC’s App Launch Event

OABC’s first in-person, outdoor, networking event of 2021: OABC’s App Launch Event was sponsored by Hormuz Grand Muscat, A Radisson Collection Hotel.

The evening brought together over 100 members of the Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman), from member executives to Oman’s decision-makers. The evening allowed to connect with members of the OABC, old and new, over canapes, drinks and a stunning venue.

The new application was sponsored by HSBC, a Premium Member of the OABC.

We also give special thanks to our Safety Partner: The National Detergent Company for sponsoring sanitisation and cleaning products for the evening, and for every member to take home.

As a special treat, every member that downloaded the app also received a dinner for two, sponsored by Bomba Burrito.

This high-level business networking evening presented the OABC mobile application launch, complete with raffle prizes and a showcase of the member benefit program. As always, we also give thanks to our beverage sponsor, OUA, for providing the drinks for the evening.

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As all OABC’s events, the night was a huge success for executives and decision-makers from all nationalities to meet, build relationships, learn, and discuss key matters of interest to Oman’s business community.

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Business Opportunities with the U.S. Navy in Oman

On January 20, OABC Members were invited to attend ‘Business Opportunities with the U.S. Navy in Oman’ in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Muscat.

Ambassador Tsou opened a virtual event with over 60 local companies to discuss business opportunities with the U.S. Navy. The OABC was proud to partner with the U.S. Embassy Muscat and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the purpose of this event.

We are thankful to both partners, today’s speakers, and those who asked questions and contributed to this informative session.

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Update on Oman’s Foreign Investment Law

On December 14, OABC Members were invited to attend ‘Update on Oman’s foreign investment law’, in partnership with Dentons.

A Premium Member of OABC, Dentons was one of the earliest international firms to open its doors in Oman and has steadily grown to become the largest international law firm operating in the Sultanate. Dentons are truly in and of the community, with long-standing relationships with local business communities, governments and regulatory authorities.

The team offered useful information based on experiences spent advising on the new law, and shared a copy of their presentation with Members. We give special thanks to Jamie Gibson, Riaz Haq and Yaqdhan Al Busaidi, and the Dentons team for their willingness to address the OABC and share valuable time and effort in preparing this session for us.

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“What Comes Next: A Post Election Review” with Eric Ham

On November 17th, OABC partnered with the U.S. Mission to the UAE and other sister Amchams in the region for a live webinar “What Comes Next: A Post Election Review” with Eric Ham.

In case you missed it or would like to review the session, you can access the webinar recording here and download the presentation slides here.

Mr. Eric Ham expressed his willingness to be contacted, you may do so at eric.ham@verizon.net should you wish to send him your questions related to the event.

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Innovative COVID fighting product range from Premium Member: The National Detergent Company

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Oman and the region, The National Detergent Company (NDC), the maker of the best detergent brand Bahar, supported the country and the community by introducing a range of innovative and convenient COVID fighting products.

NDC’s COVID fighting product portfolio includes Farah Hand Sanitizer Pocket Spray, Farah Hand Sanitizer Gel, Bahar Premium Antiseptic Liquid, Bahar Antimicrobial Disinfectant Spray, Bahar Gold Multipurpose Disinfectant and PInex.

Farah Hand Sanitizer Pocket Spray, a next-generation hand sanitizer that provides enhanced germ-killing power while being skin-friendly, can be carried in your pocket and offers protection and safety on the go. Farah Hand Sanitizer Gel range – 20ml, 80ml, 270ml, 500ml, 5Ltr, was approved by Oman’s Ministry of Health in the initial stages of COVID -19.

Today, a much sought-after product among consumers in the Sultanate, Farah hand sanitizer contains 70% ethyl alcohol and can kill 99.99% of harmful germs. The hand sanitizer is ideal for corporates, institutions, hospitals, individuals, families and frontline healthcare workers.

NDC’s Bahar Premium antiseptic disinfectant, which provides all-round family protection against germs, has also received the approval from Oman’s Ministry of Health. The disinfectant liquid which is ideal for personal and household cleaning purposes kills 99.99% of germs.

NDC’s other wellness and hygiene products in the laundry, personal and home care segments include Bahar Powder detergent, Bahar Liquid Detergent, Bahar Premium Dishwashing Liquid, Bahar Clean, D’zire antibacterial soap and Farah anti-bacterial hand wash liquid.

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U.S. Franchise Opportunities in the GCC

On October 26th, OABC partnered with Amcham Bahrain to present a live webinar on U.S. Franchise Opportunities in the GCC, and this included an introduction to international franchise experts and information about U.S. brands interested in entering Oman or finding partners within the GCC.

The presenters discussed the impact of covid-19 on franchising and highlighted recent trends to be aware of as you explore opportunities in 2020.

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