OABC News

On June 8, the OABC together with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat organized a private roundtable discussion with Rick Anguiuoni, Business Development Specialist and Regional Director of Africa at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, via zoom.

The roundtable discussion introduced key stakeholder and heads of corporate working in the top banks of Oman to the mission and services of Exim Bank. Attendees also discussed the statues of financing opportunities already provided by EXIM Bank in Oman and discussed new ways to facilitate additional trade collaboration between EXIM Bank and Omani banks and companies.

The session featured opening remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Oman Leslie Tsou and a presentation by Rick Angiuoni followed by a time of discussion.

On April 19, OABC partnered with AmCham Kuwait in collaboration with Microsoft for a live webinar on ‘Achieving Growth with Microsoft for Startups’. The virtual webinar was organized with the support of AmCham Abu Dhabi, AmCham Bahrain and AmCham Qatar.

We give special thanks to Mr Roberto Croci, Managing Director of Microsoft for start-ups Middle East and Africa Region, for his insightful discussion.

Thank you to everyone else who participated in this event.

The April 6 event connected Omani and U.S. companies with information on Oman’s new economic stimulus plan and answered questions from U.S. investors interested in Oman

MUSCAT, OMAN: On April 6th, the Oman American Business Center (OABC) hosted a Virtual Majlis with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, H.E. Qais Al Yousef.

The session presented a unique opportunity for members of the OABC to engage and ask specific questions to better understand the vision and future plans of MOCIIP.  His Excellency Qais Al Yousef discussed incentives for foreign investors and other key information about how the plan will impact the future and Oman’s Vision 2040. The session also addressed business continuity and steps to mitigate the challenges faced by companies due to the pandemic.

OABC President and Chairman Ali Daud opened the session and thanked the official guest of honor: U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Leslie Tsou, before introducing His Excellency and the session’s moderator, OABC Board Member and Treasurer, William Crew of Inspired Solutions.

OABC compiled a list of questions received from its member companies, and during the event, executives were also given the opportunity to ask questions directly via chat.

“We commend His Excellency’s willingness to sit down together and engage with questions from the business community,” says Daud. ”We trust that this first virtual majlis may pave the way for more interaction, discussion, and future sessions between the public and private sectors within Oman.  We would also like to thank our partner, the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, who supported the invitation of their membership as well to this event.”

“It is notable that in spite of, and even because of, the difficult and unique situation the world is facing today, U.S. companies can learn about what Oman has to offer through an online platform rather than physical travel,” continues Daud. “We hope that new opportunities and connections will be made through these efforts and initiatives during this time, as well as the future, as Oman moves towards its Vision 2040.”

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States.

Formed in 2003, the OABC’s mission is to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States.  With 30 events annually and over 160 member companies, OABC is Oman’s most active business council and networking group.

Thank you to each of our U.S. Chamber of Commerce affiliates in the GCC who attended our Regional Speed Networking event on Monday, April 5.

The evening was a fun and relaxed way to network and meet with dozens of other professionals in the GCC. Every attendee was given the opportunity to share their business with others.

The event also celebrated the launch of the Regional Linked In group: “Members of AmChams in the GCC”. This group will serve as a professional development and networking group where current AmCham members may post articles, questions, opportunities, promotions, job postings, and discussion topics.

As a bonus, Mr. Tamami offered free consulting sessions for all attendees and their sales and marketing teams.

Last, we give special thanks to Del Monte for sponsoring the event’s raffle – 3 lucky members are going to win a box of their incredible dates, or a gorgeous, healthy fruit basket, depending on the winner’s country of residence. All attendees are entered to win, and we will announce these winners on our LinkedIn group on Thursday, so please make sure you request to join the group!

On March 29, OABC partnered with five other AmChams in the GCC region for a live webinar on “Tax Seminar for U.S. Citizens Overseas” with keynote speaker Dr Nabeel S. Alexander, Esq.

Nabeel 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.

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?

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.