Muscat – The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) signed 62 franchise agreements on Sunday facilitating Omani brands to expand across six countries marking a major step in the sultanate’s efforts to expand the international presence of home-grown businesses.

Signed during the launch of the fifth edition of OCCI’s Franchise Programme, the agreements cover the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Qatar and Kuwait. These highlight growing interest in Omani brands and the increasing reach of the country’s franchise sector.

The programme was launched under the patronage of H E Dr Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Minister of Economy.

Designed to help Omani businesses enter international markets, the programme targets expansion into 22 countries while supporting small and medium enterprises, attracting investment and creating jobs. It also forms part of broader efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen the private sector’s contribution to growth under Vision 2040.

Speaking at the launch, Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said the programme reflects the chamber’s commitment to raising the competitiveness of Omani businesses and supporting the growth of national brands.

“The programme represents one of the chamber’s strategic initiatives to develop the franchising ecosystem in Oman and transform promising local brands into success stories capable of expanding locally, regionally and globally,” Al Rawas said.

He urged entrepreneurs to use franchising as a route to expansion and said OCCI would continue introducing initiatives that help Omani companies consolidate their presence in regional and international markets.

Hamoud Salim Al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Franchise Centre Committee, said the chamber aims to support 300 Omani brands and build a franchise ecosystem valued at RO1bn.

He informed that the fifth edition includes the participation of 26 brands, reflecting the programme’s continued growth since its early pilot phase. Previous editions featured six brands in the second phase, 23 in the third and 25 in the fourth.

Al Saadi said establishment of the Franchise Centre Committee and the introduction of executive regulations have improved governance and services for investors and participating companies.

He added that OCCI plans to build a network of more than 150 international franchisors and attract over 220 investors and strategic partners, creating new opportunities for Omani brands seeking overseas expansion.

Zakariya Abdullah Al Saadi, CEO of OCCI, said the chamber continues to work with strategic and technical partners to prepare businesses for local, regional and international growth through training, advisory services and qualification programmes.

He added that the expansion achieved by several Omani brands in recent years demonstrates the potential of franchising as a tool for sustainable business growth and international market access.