Latest news with #PankajKhimji
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman courts Belgian investors to boost trade ties
Muscat – As part of its global investment promotion efforts, Invest Oman – under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) – held the 'Advantage Oman–Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels on Monday. Organised in cooperation with the Embassy of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC), the event was held to strengthen trade and economic relations between Oman and Belgium. The forum brought together senior Belgian investors, business leaders and decision-makers to discuss investment opportunities in Oman, with a focus on sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, tourism and leisure. Omani representatives highlighted the sultanate's recent regulatory reforms, major projects and its supportive environment for investors. The dialogue provided a platform for direct discussions between Omani and Belgian stakeholders to identify areas for cooperation and possible joint ventures. Pankaj Khimji, advisor for foreign trade and international cooperation at MoCIIP, said the dialogue was an important step in building long-term partnerships. 'This dialogue is a strategic step toward strengthening our economic cooperation with Belgium. It introduces Oman's competitive edge and invites Belgian enterprises to grow within a future-ready market,' he said. H E Rua bint Issa al Zadjali, Oman's Ambassador to Belgium, said the initiative supports Oman's efforts to enhance economic diplomacy and build strong international ties. 'It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and reaffirm Oman's position as a strategic investment destination,' she said. The Advantage Oman series is part of the sultanate's wider strategy to attract foreign investment and promote Oman as a gateway to global markets. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Invest Oman hosts ‘Advantage Oman' dialogue in Brussels
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 17 As part of its strategic agenda to expand global investment partnerships, Invest Oman , operating under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, convened the 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels. The event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC). Designed to highlight the Sultanate's evolving investment landscape, the dialogue aimed to foster deeper economic and trade relations between Oman and Belgium. It brought together a distinguished audience of Belgian investors, industry leaders, and senior decision-makers, with a focus on high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and tourism and leisure. The platform facilitated direct engagement between Omani and Belgian stakeholders, enabling exploration of joint investment opportunities and commercial synergies. The Omani delegation presented Oman's strategic megaprojects, regulatory enhancements, and investor-centric reforms—underscoring the Sultanate's commitment to creating a competitive and future-ready business environment. Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated: 'Oman places great emphasis on forging long-term partnerships with Belgium. This dialogue is a strategic step toward elevating our economic cooperation, introducing Oman's competitive advantages, and enabling Belgian enterprises to expand within a high-potential, future-ready market.' Rua bint Issa Al Zadjali, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium, remarked: 'This initiative reflects Oman's broader vision to strengthen economic diplomacy and create meaningful engagement with key international markets. It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and highlight Oman's role as a trusted and strategic investment destination.' The 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue is part of Oman's ongoing global outreach to position itself as a regional gateway for investment and trade. Belgium continues to emerge as a key partner across several priority sectors, as Oman actively builds enduring economic bridges with European markets.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman courts Belgian investors to boost trade ties
Muscat – As part of its global investment promotion efforts, Invest Oman – under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) – held the 'Advantage Oman–Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels on Monday. Organised in cooperation with the Embassy of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC), the event was held to strengthen trade and economic relations between Oman and Belgium. The forum brought together senior Belgian investors, business leaders and decision-makers to discuss investment opportunities in Oman, with a focus on sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, tourism and leisure. Omani representatives highlighted the sultanate's recent regulatory reforms, major projects and its supportive environment for investors. The dialogue provided a platform for direct discussions between Omani and Belgian stakeholders to identify areas for cooperation and possible joint ventures. Pankaj Khimji, advisor for foreign trade and international cooperation at MoCIIP, said the dialogue was an important step in building long-term partnerships. 'This dialogue is a strategic step toward strengthening our economic cooperation with Belgium. It introduces Oman's competitive edge and invites Belgian enterprises to grow within a future-ready market,' he said. H E Rua bint Issa al Zadjali, Oman's Ambassador to Belgium, said the initiative supports Oman's efforts to enhance economic diplomacy and build strong international ties. 'It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and reaffirm Oman's position as a strategic investment destination,' she said. The Advantage Oman series is part of the sultanate's wider strategy to attract foreign investment and promote Oman as a gateway to global markets.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Invest OMAN Hosts 'Advantage Oman' Business Dialogue in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium
As part of its strategic agenda to expand global investment partnerships, Invest OMAN, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, convened the 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels. The event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC). Designed to highlight the Sultanate's evolving investment landscape, the dialogue aimed to foster deeper economic and trade relations between Oman and Belgium. It brought together a distinguished audience of Belgian investors, industry leaders, and senior decision-makers, with a focus on high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and tourism and leisure. The platform facilitated direct engagement between Omani and Belgian stakeholders, enabling exploration of joint investment opportunities and commercial synergies. The Omani delegation presented Oman's strategic megaprojects, regulatory enhancements, and investor-centric reforms—underscoring the Sultanate's commitment to creating a competitive and future-ready business environment. H.E. Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated: 'Oman places great emphasis on forging long-term partnerships with Belgium. This dialogue is a strategic step toward elevating our economic cooperation, introducing Oman's competitive advantages, and enabling Belgian enterprises to expand within a high-potential, future-ready market.' H.E. Rua bint Issa Al Zadjali, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium, remarked: 'This initiative reflects Oman's broader vision to strengthen economic diplomacy and create meaningful engagement with key international markets. It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and highlight Oman's role as a trusted and strategic investment destination.' The 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue is part of Oman's ongoing global outreach to position itself as a regional gateway for investment and trade. Belgium continues to emerge as a key partner across several priority sectors, as Oman actively builds enduring economic bridges with European markets
Observer
10-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's sports economy ambition: From grassroots to global arena
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is actively pursuing a strategy to transform its sporting landscape, not just for the love of the game, but as a significant driver of economic growth and diversification. Recent discussions from the "Tejarah Talks" podcast, featuring Pankaj Khimji, Advisor, Foreign Trade & International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, and Joe Rafferty, Director, Events, Oman Sail, highlight a multifaceted approach focusing on grassroots development, experiential tourism, and strategic international events. The vision is clear: to cultivate a deep-seated sports culture within the Sultanate of Oman that will naturally foster a thriving sports economy. "Unless we develop our grassroots of sports culture, whether it's in schools or in the maydans or on the beaches of Oman, unless we promote this in our family or school , we're not going to be able to get into the real business of sports," emphasised Khimji. This foundational belief underscores the need for physical education to be a core curriculum subject and for children to be introduced to sports from a very young age. Oman's inherent "DNA" for sports, as noted by Alya al Hosni of Tejarah Talks podcast and corporate affairs director at Muriya, is evident in its success in areas like beach football. The goal is to leverage this natural aptitude and build a robust ecosystem. The economic ripple effects of a thriving sports sector are extensive, extending far beyond direct participation. From equipment sales and coaching to media coverage, hospitality, and related services, the opportunities for private sector involvement are immense. The recent explosion of padel in Oman serves as a prime example of organic growth and private sector engagement. Padel clubs have sprung up across the country, becoming new social hubs. This phenomenon illustrates the potential for smaller, multi-purpose sporting centers in wilayats and non-urban areas to encourage widespread participation. "What it shows is that you probably want to build small little youth centers in wilayats in little urban non-urban townscapes to encourage people to participate and play in sports," Khimji observed, advocating for practical, state-of-the-art facilities over mega-stadiums. Beyond domestic engagement, Oman is strategically positioning itself as a destination for sports tourism. The concept of "experiential travel" – where tourists not only see but actively do – aligns perfectly with adventure sports and unique terrains. The country's diverse landscape offers unparalleled opportunities for activities like aqua trekking in wadis, 4x4 off-roading, and altitude training for athletes. "This mix of adventure sports and tourism is a huge investment opportunity," stated Khimji, highlighting the potential for automobile manufacturers to use Oman as a hub for vehicle trials. The economic benefits of hosting international teams are also gaining recognition. Khimji recounted a recent visit by Indian state cricket teams, who, after playing matches, extended their stay to explore Oman's tourist attractions like Nizwa and witness dolphins. This accidental discovery has led to a surge of interest from other Indian teams keen to tour Oman, demonstrating the power of sports to drive ancillary tourism revenue. Looking ahead, Oman has its sights set on attracting prestigious international events that align with the nation's brand. "I'd like to see a tennis tournament whether we start with the 250 or then with the 500 and probably in 10 or 7 years time to do a tennis 1000 as well ATP," Khimji articulated, emphasising the high television and media coverage such events attract. The ultimate ambition for Oman, according to Khimji, would be to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. While acknowledging the presence of F1 tracks in neighboring countries, he sees it as a complementary venture, not a competitive one. "It's not about we competing with them, it's about we participating in the sport because the sport is basically viewed on television," he explained. An F1 track, he added, would serve as a multi-purpose venue for corporate events, community gatherings, concerts, and car exhibitions, creating significant leverage. Ultimately, Oman aims to create a prominent spot on the global sporting calendar. By fostering a passionate grassroots culture, leveraging its unique natural assets for experiential tourism, and strategically attracting high-profile international events, Oman is set to score big in the dynamic world of the sports economy.
