Saturday 16 / November / 2024
Muscat: The ‘Made in Oman’ campaign that took place at various commercial centres across the governorates of Oman witnessed widespread and positive acceptance from both citizens and residents.
The campaign was organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) in collaboration with the OCCI and OPEX.
The ‘Made in Oman’ campaign has contributed to enhancing societal awareness about the importance of purchasing Omani-origin products and supporting Omani producers and exporters, according to a statement by the MoCIIP.
This is attributed to several factors, including the quality and standard specifications that characterise Omani products, qualifying them to compete in both the local and global markets. Purchasing Omani products is considered a means of supporting the national economy, contributing to increased economic returns for the Sultanate of Oman, and enhancing both local and global recognition of the quality of Omani products.
The campaign also played a crucial role in raising societal awareness about the significance of buying Omani-origin products, supporting Omani producers and exporters, and drawing international attention to the quality of Omani products.
The ministry emphasised that the implementation of standard specifications and technical regulations, along with the application of best practices, contributes to the promotion and protection of the national industry against unfair competition. This, in turn, ensures tangible economic gains for the nation and encourages innovation, local investment improvement, and the regulation of buyer-seller relationships at the national level.
The campaign aimed to introduce and promote national products in the local market, boost confidence in the new national product identity, encourage industrial entities to obtain a national product identity license and strengthen consumers' loyalty to local products. Additionally, it sought to create communication channels between producers and consumers, enhance and diversify the national economy, and foster collaboration between industrial establishments and small to medium-sized enterprises.
Mazin bin Humaid Al Siyabi, the Assistant Director-General of Industry at the MoCIIP, stated that the 'Made in Oman’ campaign aligned with the ministry's industrial strategy. It aimed to support the national industry by creating an investment-friendly climate for establishing new industries and developing existing ones by addressing existing challenges.
Al Siyabi added that the campaign had yielded numerous positive outcomes, such as increased awareness of the quality and specifications of Omani products with global value. Omani products have become competitive in both domestic and foreign markets, supporting the national economy, and achieving economic gains by circulating funds internally, boosting domestic trade, and contributing to the activation of other economic sectors. Furthermore, it enhances the trade balance and diversifies income sources for the country.
He explained that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign has played a significant role in enhancing societal awareness regarding the importance of purchasing Omani-origin products. The campaign also aimed to support Omani producers and exporters. Additionally, it drew attention to the quality of Omani products, shedding light on the excellence of locally manufactured goods and services. The campaign achieved this through seminars and competitions organized in both public and private schools, spanning a month.
Al Siyabi further stated that instilling a culture of buying local products within different segments of society is a national responsibility. Implementing this culture enhances purchasing power and boosts the productivity of Omani industrial establishments. This, in turn, leads to the expansion of these establishments and the creation of additional employment opportunities.
Imad bin Khamis Al Shukaili, the Director General of the Directorate General of Standards and Metrology at the MoCIIP emphasised the role of specifications, standards, and technical regulations, along with the application of best practices, in promoting and protecting the national industry. These measures aim to ensure tangible economic gains for the country, enhance its competitiveness both locally and in global markets, encourage innovation, improve local investment, and regulate buyer-seller relationships at the national level.
Al Shukaili highlighted that specifications and standards contribute to elevating the quality of local products and services through technical tools such as the Omani Quality Mark, inspection visits, control measures, compliance with requirements, and technical standards. Involving the private sector in the preparation of standard specifications was emphasised. He also stressed that enforcing conformity procedures and inspections before importing protects national products from the entry of competing products with poor quality that do not meet minimum safety standards.
He said it the imperative for the local industrial sector to work by standard specifications, as this primarily protects them from globalisation. Compliance with standards also works towards developing and growing national industries, raising productivity, and implementing the principle of continuous improvement. The Ministry studies challenges faced by production entities and users of standards, seeking ways to overcome these challenges to benefit national industry and all stakeholders without hindering international trade.
Hilal bin Badr Al Rashidi, the Director of the Department of MoCIIP in Al Dakhiliyah, affirmed that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign has yielded numerous benefits. Among the notable achievements is raising awareness among Omani factories about the necessity of obtaining the new national product identity logo. This unifies the marketing identity, enhances the local value added to their products, increases the inclination to purchase Omani products, boosts sales for local companies, establishes marketing outlets in all governorates of Oman, and supports local industry's ability to compete globally, thereby enhancing the national economy.
The campaign also focused on introducing and promoting Omani products, showcasing the diverse industries in Oman that produce over 10,000 different products. These industries span various sectors, including food, electricity, pharmaceuticals, metals, textiles, perfumes, cleaning products, jewellery, petrochemicals, furniture, and more.
Saleh bin Saeed Al Musalhi, the Director of the Department of MoCIIP in Ad Dhahirah, said that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign has contributed significantly to realising several benefits. Among these is the shift of many consumers towards purchasing local products, especially food items that adhere to quality standards, and specifications and offer competitive prices. The campaign was designed to support Omani factories by boosting their sales.
Al Musalhi emphasised that the ministry, through the campaign, aims to target various segments of society and industrial companies. The goal is to create an interactive experience between industrial institutions and entrepreneurs in the governorates, supporting local products, and raising awareness of the quality of the national product.
Khaled bin Hamed Al Saadi, the Director of MoCIIP in Ash Sharqiyah South, pointed out that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign has achieved accelerated positive indicators in increasing the purchasing power of Omani products. It informed consumers about the advanced level attained by our national industry and the high quality and competitiveness of Omani products. The campaign specifically targeted students, employees, business owners, professionals, and decision-makers in various income brackets, especially those with limited and medium incomes, emphasizing messages such as the high quality, competitiveness, and affordability of national products.
Abdulaziz bin Naseeb al Araimi, the Director of MoCIIP in Ash Sharqiyah North, stated that the campaign in the governorate witnessed a significant consumer interest in various local products, particularly food items due to their reasonable prices and widespread availability. He affirmed that local products are characterized by high quality, and their availability in local markets and large commercial stores encouraged increased consumer demand, indicating the growing awareness among consumers.
Tariq bin Nasser Al-Harasi, the Director of MoCIIP in Al Batinah South, mentioned that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign presented a significant opportunity to promote Omani industries and products. The indicators show a high demand for Omani products, with increased interest from both Omani citizens and residents during the campaign period.
Ali bin Khalfan al Ghaithi, the Director General of MoCIIP in Al Batinah North, stated that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign in the governorate achieved its intended goal of promoting local products. It made them more accessible to consumers who believe that purchasing national products enhances their trust in Omani products. The increased interest in these products serves as an encouragement for local factories to develop, improve the quality of their products, and contribute more to the national output.
Ahmed bin Abdullah al Rawas, the Director General of MoCIIP in Dhofar, emphasised that Omani products have become significant players in local and regional markets due to their efficiency, quality, and adherence to the highest industry standards. The sound establishment of national projects in the industrial sector has played a major role in building a strong reputation that has expanded the reach of Omani products.
Abdoun bin Mohammad al Harsousi, Director of MoCIIP in Al Wusta, mentioned that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign has contributed to raising consumer awareness about the advantages of national products, highlighting the local added value and high quality of Omani products.
He emphasised that Omani companies and factories should strive to establish balanced and collaborative cooperation between the government and civil society, achieved through supporting and sponsoring purposeful events to serve the community in the best possible ways. Al Harsousi also stressed the importance for national companies to actively participate with relevant government entities in promoting the success of this campaign. Additionally, he highlighted the need to establish a production system distinguished by the application of global standards concerning food safety and management systems. This measure contributes to increasing consumer confidence, encouraging them to choose local products.
