MUSCAT: Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business Chris Cardona led a delegation of entrepreneurs in Oman.
In the first day of this visit, Minister Cardona attended meetings with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Fouad Al Sajwani, participated in a Business Forum organised by Muscat Bank, and visited the Knowledge Oasis and the Russayl Industrial Area.
Whilst addressing the Business Forum, Minister Cardona said that the available opportunities greatly outweigh the challenges that exist for commercial activities to take place between the two countries.
“Malta and the Sultanate of Oman form part of the global village where geographical distances no longer hinder the huge potential that exists in exploring the many avenues of cooperation in different sectors of our economies. This is attributable to today’s highly technological environment that was built along the years” stated Minister Cardona.
Dr Cardona referred to the political commitment and willingness on both sides to enhance cooperation between the two countries, not only on diplomatic and political relations but also in the economic and commercial sectors. He mentioned how the first steps in this direction have already been made since this year around sixty students from Oman have commenced their studies in Malta.
Minister Cardona spoke about the strategic position of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean and its role in the commercial and maritime sector. Dr Cardona said that the Government is committed to strengthening further this role through concrete initiatives to develop Malta as a maritime and logistics centre.
“Malta stands ready to offer logistical facilities to the Omani business community, particularly SMEs, to tap European as well as African markets. On the other hand, the Sultanate of Oman, positioned at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, provides the perfect launching pad into Asia and could become an entrepôt for Maltese companies looking to tap Asian markets” stated Minister Cardona.
This has been the first visit to Oman by the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business. Minister Cardona’s visit continued with a series of meetings with ministers, entities and commercial organisations in Oman.
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