24th August 2016 at the Grand Hyatt Muscat
The Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD), in cooperation with the Oman American Business Center (OABC) under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ali Daud, the President of the OABC, conducted a briefing on its Partnership for Development (PFD) Programme. More than 60 companies and members from OABC and US Embassy attended, representing both the Defence, Security and Civil Sectors.
The briefing was part of an awareness campaign conducted by the Authority to present the Programme and its Regulations to international contractors and other stakeholders in order to increase awareness and knowledge and facilitate the implementation of the PFD programme. Also, it was part of OABC’s activities to promote the exchange of information, advice and ideas for the US business community in Oman.
The CEO of OAPFD, Dr. Dhafir Al-Shanfari opened the briefing and expressed his appreciation of the OABC’s invitation to present the PFD Programme and its new regulation.
“OAPFD welcomes such forums which are an excellent platform for introducing the PFD Programme and its Regulations to international contractors and key stakeholders,” Dr. Dhafir Al-Shanfari said.
Mr. Paul Williams, Adviser within the OAPFD, gave a presentation on the history of the PFD Programme. He explained the objectives of the programme, which are to diversify the national economy, enhance national capabilities including military and security capabilities, and strengthening the private sector through new technologies and human resource development. Williams then presented the latest OAPFD Regulations that were approved by the Authority’s Board of Trustees in June 2015.
In addition, Rahma Al-Riyamy, Contracts Consultant at OAPFD gave a presentation on the procedures and processes of the PFD Programme with a focus on those issues specific to Civil Contracts.
There was a high level of interaction by the participants at the briefing as they shared opinions on how to promote trade between the U.S. and Oman and further the business ties and friendly relations between the two countries.
Ali Daud, Chairman of OABC, said, “Our meeting with the Omani Authority for Partnership for Development was directed towards updating the business community on the history & background of offset (PFD) in Oman and general introduction to the PFD program and the procedures to be followed, including issues specific to Civil Contracts. In addition, the gathering facilitated an opportunity for companies to ask questions, receive clarification and share their experiences for our consideration.”