Muscat – Sixteen Omani companies used a major food exhibition in Moscow to promote national products, meet importers and distributors and explore new export opportunities in Russia and wider Eurasian markets.

The participation in World of Food – Moscow 2026, which concluded on Friday, highlighted the growing role of international exhibitions in helping Omani companies establish direct commercial links and expand the reach of non-oil products.

H E Hamoud bin Salem Al Tuwaih, Oman’s Ambassador to Russia, said the Russian market offered promising opportunities for Omani companies to expand exports and develop new trade partnerships.

He said specialised exhibitions provided a platform for companies to connect directly with importers, distributors, retail chains and businesses in the food industry.

The 35th edition of the exhibition brought together more than 1,100 exhibitors from over 30 countries and 60 Russian regions, giving Omani companies an opportunity to assess market demand and develop business relationships, H E Al Tuwaih said.

According to the ambassador, Russia’s importance extended beyond its domestic consumer base, describing it as a gateway to markets in Eurasia and Central Asia. Access to these markets could help Omani companies diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on traditional markets, he added.

Participation also allowed companies to gain a better understanding of consumer and importer preferences, pricing, packaging requirements and technical and health standards, helping them adapt products to individual markets.

H E Al Tuwaih highlighted the potential benefits for small and medium enterprises, which can use international exhibitions to reach overseas buyers and partners who may otherwise be difficult to access through conventional marketing channels.

He also pointed to opportunities for broader Oman-Russia cooperation in food security, food manufacturing, agriculture, storage, logistics and re-export.

Russia has significant production capacity in grains and agricultural products, while Oman offers a strategic location, modern ports and opportunities in fisheries, food industries, storage and logistics, he said.

The ambassador informed that the Omani Embassy in Moscow would continue supporting companies by helping them understand the Russian market, connect with potential partners and organise business meetings.

He stressed that exhibition participation should form part of a long-term market strategy, with companies following up on contacts made in Moscow and turning them into sustained commercial partnerships.