The second Business Forum organised by the Omani-Swiss Friendship Association (OSFA) at the Kempinski Hotel on Wednesday was an attempt to renew and develop bonds of friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Federal Republic of Switzerland.
The Forum, held under the auspices of Dr Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, focused on “Innovation and Sustainability” and welcomed a number of high-profile speakers who gathered from both Oman and Switzerland.
“We have redesigned our approach to work by simplifying procedures and creating a more supportive environment for enterprises with the launch of Oman Vision 2040 - our blueprint for sustainable progress and development”, Dr Al Yousef said.
This inspiring roadmap is built around four main pillars, People and society, Economic growth, Governance, and Corporate performance, which go hand in hand with Environment and sustainability, he said.
“The Oman National Investment and Export Development Programme, known locally as Nezdaher, is a model of our reimagined approach to business. Since March 2021, Nezdaher has been supporting international and local prospects in creating, publishing, and expanding their commercial footprint. The Oman Investment Center will complete the work of Nezdaher”, he added.
Following the success of the 2019 Business Forum held in Berne in Switzerland, OSFA explored two leading topics for both countries, which are Innovation & Sustainability. High-level speakers from Oman and Switzerland delivered their expert presentations on Finance & Investment, Tourism, Environment, and Digital Technology (AI). Throughout the event, guests were encouraged to network, collaborate, exchange ideas - and explore new ways of creating investment in both countries thanks to a mix of presentations, workshops -and panel discussions.
Speaking to the Observer, Hani Muhammad al Zubair, OSFA Chairman, stated, “We are delighted with the number of delegates who joined us today as we had such a variety of people from Oman and Switzerland, each bringing their own unique skill set, knowledge, and networks, and all contributing to making this event so successful.”
The distinguished list of speakers from Oman and Switzerland including Hashel Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), Nicholas Mayer (Head of Middle East and Africa Division, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs - SECO) and Abdullah al Busaidi and Vincent Maitre (Member of the Swiss Parliament).
“Oman is often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’ is an indication of just how suited these two countries are to join in a Friendship Association,” Sayyid Abdulla al Busaidy, OSFA Patron for Oman said.
The mission of the Oman-Switzerland Friendship Association recognises and values this enduring friendship. Hosting events like this Business Forum are an essential part of developing and nurturing the commercial sectors of both countries.
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