Muscat – H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Honorary President of the Programme for Promising Omani Startups, has embarked on a multi-day visit to the Swiss Confederation, highlighting the deep trade and investment relations between Oman and Switzerland.

These relations have been fostered through cooperation and partnership across various business sectors throughout history.

The high-profile visit presents an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the operations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its affiliated institutions, particularly the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

H H Sayyid Bilarab and the accompanying delegation aim to enhance their understanding of the roles played by these institutions and explore potential support measures and cooperative initiatives that can benefit Oman.

Moreover, the visit offers a platform for extensive discussions with the ITC to expand collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), specifically on matters related to foreign trade and exports.

Leveraging the ITC’s capabilities can bolster Oman’s export capacity, foster relevant competencies, and attract increased investments across promising sectors.

During the visit, H H Sayyid Bilarab and the delegation will directly engage with a group of industrial companies, particularly those specialising in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and the enhancement of quality of life. Potential partnerships and investment opportunities will be explored with these companies, with a focus on establishing joint projects in Oman.

Furthermore, the Omani delegation will study the programmes implemented by Swiss-based startups and gain insights into their experiences in business incubation and acceleration, particularly in the fields of information technology and innovation.

Field visits to startups and their research centres will provide valuable knowledge, while advanced technology centres will serve as platforms for discussions on knowledge transfer.

Joining H H Sayyid Bilarab during the visit are H E Qais Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Halima Rashid al Zar’ee, Chairperson of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED); and owners of Omani startups focusing on innovation and technology.

The delegation includes working teams from the MoCIIP, ASMED, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the National Programme for Investment and Export Development.