Muscat – A business-to-business (B2B) partnership between Korean and Omani SMEs in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and content development sector was held at the InterContinental Hotel, Muscat on Monday.

Nineteen Korean SMEs showcased their technological expertise in state-of-the-art technology fields such as cyber security, e-commerce platform, digital and metaverse contents, and healthcare products.

The platform helped facilitate cooperation and capacity building of SMEs in Korea and Oman, which is in line with the Oman Vision 2040.

‘B2B matching was conducted where over 150 Korean and Omani businessmen met and interacted. Two MoUs (memorandum of understanding) were concluded between the Korean and Omani SMEs concerned,’ a press release said.

This B2B platform is supported by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) of Korea, the representative office of the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) in Muscat and the office of the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Muscat.

Halima al Zarie, Chairperson of the Authority for SMEs, Hon Hatim al Taie, Member of the State Council, Pankaj Khimji, Advisor to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Sheikh Saad Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of the Oman-Korea Friendship Association, and Korean Ambassador H E Kim Kiejoo graced the event, while senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT, and other Omani partners also attended it.

H E Kim underscored in his remarks the importance of the meeting saying, “The SMEs of Korea and Oman can build a strong and reliable bridge between our two industrial and economic sectors.”

“The Oman Vision 2040 envisions digital transformation, and Korea will align with the Oman Vision 2040 in pursuing partnership with the Omani stakeholders,” he asserted.