Friday 20 / September / 2024
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has launched the 'Made in Oman' campaign in collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Joint Committee for External Exhibitions of Omani Products (OPEX).
The campaign aims to introduce and promote national products in the local market, highlight the new national product identity, encourage industrial establishments to obtain a licence for the national product and enhance local consumer confidence in national products as the primary choice.The 'Made in Oman' campaign extends its activities until December 31, 2023.
The campaign also emphasises the importance of quality and competitiveness of the local products and shapes a representative image of the diversity of the Omani industry. The campaign also seeks to increase integration between industrial establishments and small to medium-sized enterprises, foster partnerships among them, enhance consumer loyalty to local products, and establish communication channels between producers and consumers.
Shoppers have pointed out that buying Omani products contributes to boosting sales and production operations in national factories, thereby increasing the size and diversity of the Omani industry. Consequently, this contributes to the growth of its share in the overall gross domestic product (GDP) and economic diversification.
Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Waeli also pointed out that, in his opinion, the one-month duration of the campaign is insufficient to promote awareness and shift towards supporting national products. “Continuous and repetitive campaigns are necessary for achieving better long-term results. Relevant authorities can implement effective promotional campaigns, increasing their impact on the target audience,” he said.
“This may include diverse media strategies such as television and radio advertisements, newspapers, social media marketing, and public advertising campaigns. These steps can contribute to building and enhancing awareness of national products, as well as motivating and changing consumer behaviour,” he further added.
Elham bint Bader Al Balushi said, "Choosing Omani products contribute to the sustainability and improvement of the competitiveness of our local products. This, in turn, enhances the operational efficiency of Omani factories and companies."
"Consumers always seek the best, and Omani products are distinguished by their quality. The efforts of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, along with other relevant authorities, in monitoring Omani industries, especially in the food sector, reaffirm to us as consumers the inclination to purchase local products. Moreover, in my opinion, the prices of local products are considered affordable," she further added.
Al Balushi said, "In recent years, our markets have witnessed various corners dedicated to Omani products. While they used to be limited to specific places, today, the 'Made in Oman' label is found everywhere, even competing with various products within local markets and major stores. What caught my attention was the variety of offerings related to local products. This encourages significant interest from various segments of society, indicating the increased awareness of consumers in the Sultanate of Oman. This, in turn, reflects on individuals, families, and the community due to the high quality and competitiveness of many brands available in our markets from outside the Sultanate of Oman.”
“Consequently, this signifies the substantial support provided to the national economy in general. In my personal perspective, acquiring Omani products for my home brings me more assurance regarding their raw materials and the preparation methods, aligning with the specifications of Omani food industries," she added.
Suad bint Nasser al Nabhaniyah emphasised the significance of the 'Made in Oman' campaign as a pivotal initiative supporting Omani products. She highlighted its role in guiding consumers towards choosing a diverse range of Omani products, particularly in the realm of food items. Expressing her optimism, she expressed the hope for the implementation of numerous campaigns dedicated to Omani products throughout the year, both domestically and internationally. According to her, these efforts will not only reinforce consumer preferences for Omani products but also attract new consumer segments on both regional and global scales. Additionally, she anticipates that such initiatives will draw increased investments and contribute significantly to supporting the national economy.
Al Nabhaniyah said, "There are several aspects to consider in promoting Omani products, such as organising exhibitions that showcase the quality, market coverage, and market needs. Developing appropriate marketing and promotional strategies, and building strong relationships with customers and partners are crucial elements. Omani products must stand out for their high quality and excellence. Emphasis should be placed on maintaining high-quality standards in the manufacturing and production processes, ensuring the quality of raw materials to enhance the reputation of Omani products."
She highlighted the need for the development of effective marketing and promotional strategies, advocating for a comprehensive marketing plan targeting the intended audience. Such a plan should enhance the value proposition of Omani products. Leveraging social media, advertisements, and promotional offers can effectively introduce and raise awareness of Omani products. Forming partnerships with local retailers, and participating in relevant exhibitions and events, are essential steps in promoting Omani products. Ultimately, these strategies can lead to the success of promoting Omani industries across various segments of society.
Mohammed bin Nasser Al Hadidi said, "The 'Made in Oman' campaign plays a crucial role in highlighting local products. It serves to educate and encourage citizens and residents on the land of the Sultanate of Oman to choose Omani products, underscoring the inherent quality that fills us with pride in our national industries.”
He added, "Moreover, the campaign actively promotes local industrial establishments and companies by showcasing their products. It encourages diverse entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in this sector. Additionally, the campaign plays a crucial role in effectively communicating information to consumers. He expresses his hope that both government and private entities involved in this domain intensify promotional and informative campaigns for Omani products across various industries."
Encompassing a range of initiatives in commercial centres across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, the campaign seeks to strengthen the collaborative roles and partnerships between the private and public sectors. Its overarching goal is to present a diverse array of options for national products, accentuating their quality. This not only enhances the trust of local consumers but also encourages them to actively choose Omani products in their purchasing decisions. Consequently, the campaign plays a crucial role in fostering lasting consumer loyalty towards Omani products.
