Latest news with #QaisbinMohammedAlYousef
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar, Oman discuss enhancing trade and investment cooperation
MUSCAT: Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman HE Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef have discussed the growing economic relations and ways to enhance joint cooperation in trade and investment in order to achieve mutual interests and contribute to advancing economic development in the two brotherly countries. This came on the sidelines of his visit to the Sultanate of Oman, heading an official Qatari trade and investment delegation comprising several government institutions and representatives from the private and public sectors. As part of the visit, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry met with Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in the Sultanate of Oman Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, with the meeting focusing on areas of cooperation in developing free zones and exchanging expertise on business environments that attract investment.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC ministers launch Unified Investor Engagement Platform
KUWAIT:In a significant step to enhance communication between governments and the private sector, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states officially launched the Tawasul initiative during a series of ministerial meetings held in Kuwait on Tuesday. The new platform aims to facilitate real-time engagement between investors and government bodies across the region, creating a unified and transparent interface to support trade and investment. The Sultanate of Oman participated in the meetings with a high-level delegation led by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The delegation also included Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry, alongside officials from the SME Development Authority, Consumer Protection Authority, and Oman's diplomatic mission in Kuwait. Launched during the 13th Consultative Meeting between GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the heads of chambers and business federations, Tawasul is designed to close long-standing communication gaps and promote better coordination on economic policy. Officials described the platform as an important policy innovation that positions the private sector as a partner in shaping the region's economic future. Through a shared mechanism and interactive digital tool, Tawasul will enable fast responses to investor concerns and help uncover market opportunities across Gulf economies. GCC ministers launch Unified Investor Engagement Platform The platform's launch came amid broader discussions on regional integration, trade facilitation, and economic equity. Ministers warned against unilateral measures taken by some GCC countries that could hinder private sector participation and undermine efforts to establish a level playing field for Gulf investors. They stressed the need to uphold decisions of the GCC Supreme Council and ensure equal treatment of citizens across all member states. In parallel, the 68th meeting of the GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee addressed several key policy areas, including the adoption of a unified methodology for drafting commercial legislation, updates on national trade laws, the development of the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center, and funding strategies for SME and entrepreneurship programmes. The committee also reviewed progress in ongoing free trade negotiations with international partners. The 54th meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee focused on issues related to industrial development and self-sufficiency. Ministers examined the implementation of a unified framework for defining 'national products,' penalties for non-compliance, and updates on exempted product lists. They also reviewed the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting's (GOIC) efforts to update the Unified Industrial Development Strategy and enhance data-sharing through a regional electronic platform. A special report was presented on the potential impacts of US tariffs on Gulf exports. Separately, the 9th session of the Ministerial Committee for Standardization saw the adoption of new technical regulations, approval of the final accounts of the Gulf Standardization Organization for 2024, and discussions on improving the regulatory status of the GCC Accreditation Center. These efforts are intended to harmonize standards and promote greater integration of Gulf markets. The meetings concluded with a strong call to reinforce the role of the private sector in regional development, supported by practical steps such as streamlining customs procedures and prioritizing GCC-certified firms in cross-border trade. The Tawasul initiative, in particular, is expected to act as a strategic bridge, ensuring that private investors are included in the region's long-term economic vision. The sessions were attended by Jassim Mohammed al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, ministers of commerce and industry from all member states, senior government officials, and representatives of Gulf business chambers and federations. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
GCC ministers launch Unified Investor Engagement Platform
KUWAIT:In a significant step to enhance communication between governments and the private sector, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states officially launched the Tawasul initiative during a series of ministerial meetings held in Kuwait on Tuesday. The new platform aims to facilitate real-time engagement between investors and government bodies across the region, creating a unified and transparent interface to support trade and investment. The Sultanate of Oman participated in the meetings with a high-level delegation led by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The delegation also included Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry, alongside officials from the SME Development Authority, Consumer Protection Authority, and Oman's diplomatic mission in Kuwait. Launched during the 13th Consultative Meeting between GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the heads of chambers and business federations, Tawasul is designed to close long-standing communication gaps and promote better coordination on economic policy. Officials described the platform as an important policy innovation that positions the private sector as a partner in shaping the region's economic future. Through a shared mechanism and interactive digital tool, Tawasul will enable fast responses to investor concerns and help uncover market opportunities across Gulf economies. GCC ministers launch Unified Investor Engagement Platform The platform's launch came amid broader discussions on regional integration, trade facilitation, and economic equity. Ministers warned against unilateral measures taken by some GCC countries that could hinder private sector participation and undermine efforts to establish a level playing field for Gulf investors. They stressed the need to uphold decisions of the GCC Supreme Council and ensure equal treatment of citizens across all member states. In parallel, the 68th meeting of the GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee addressed several key policy areas, including the adoption of a unified methodology for drafting commercial legislation, updates on national trade laws, the development of the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center, and funding strategies for SME and entrepreneurship programmes. The committee also reviewed progress in ongoing free trade negotiations with international partners. The 54th meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee focused on issues related to industrial development and self-sufficiency. Ministers examined the implementation of a unified framework for defining 'national products,' penalties for non-compliance, and updates on exempted product lists. They also reviewed the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting's (GOIC) efforts to update the Unified Industrial Development Strategy and enhance data-sharing through a regional electronic platform. A special report was presented on the potential impacts of US tariffs on Gulf exports. Separately, the 9th session of the Ministerial Committee for Standardization saw the adoption of new technical regulations, approval of the final accounts of the Gulf Standardization Organization for 2024, and discussions on improving the regulatory status of the GCC Accreditation Center. These efforts are intended to harmonize standards and promote greater integration of Gulf markets. The meetings concluded with a strong call to reinforce the role of the private sector in regional development, supported by practical steps such as streamlining customs procedures and prioritizing GCC-certified firms in cross-border trade. The Tawasul initiative, in particular, is expected to act as a strategic bridge, ensuring that private investors are included in the region's long-term economic vision. The sessions were attended by Jassim Mohammed al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, ministers of commerce and industry from all member states, senior government officials, and representatives of Gulf business chambers and federations.
Arabian Business
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Oman's economy set to grow 3.4% in 2025
Oman's GDP is expected to grow by 3.4 per cent this year, outperforming many global economies, a senior government minister said. The robust growth projection follows a surge in foreign direct investments (FDI) into the country and an upgrade in the country's credit rating. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows grew by 16.2 per cent in Q3 2024 compared to the same year-ago period, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, said. Additionally, the Sultanate's credit rating was upgraded to ' BBB- ' with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor's, the minister said, addressing the 'Advantage Oman Forum' in Muscat on Sunday, April 27. The event, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion to highlight the country's position as a promising investment destination, brought together over 250 prominent figures, including senior officials, decision-makers, and regional and international investors. The minister said the forum marked a first-of-its-kind strategic event for Oman, attracting top decision-makers, business leaders, and investors across key sectors. The event is organised in the backdrop of Oman experiencing significant growth in economic and investment fields, supported by rising international indicators.
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Oman projects 3.4% economic growth for 2025
Oman's GDP is expected to grow by 3.4% this year, outperforming many global economies — a testament to the resilience of the national economy and international market confidence, said Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. In his opening speech at the Advantage Oman Forum on April 27 in Muscat, Al Yousef said Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows grew by 16.2% in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, Oman's credit rating was upgraded to *BBB-* with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor's, said a Wam news agency report. Organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, the event brings together over 250 prominent figures, including senior officials, decision-makers, and regional and international investors, highlighting Oman's position as a promising investment destination. He emphasised that this forum marks a first-of-its-kind strategic event for Oman, attracting top decision-makers, business leaders, and investors across key sectors. The forum comes as Oman experiences significant growth in economic and investment fields, supported by rising international indicators.
