Muscat – AmCham Oman, in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Department of Investment Empowerment and Invest Oman, hosted the USFDA and Export Readiness Seminar: Unlocking Oman’s Medical Manufacturing Potential on 14
September at Invest Oman.

The seminar brought together approximately 40 representatives from Oman’s pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare distribution and supporting sectors, alongside government officials and representatives of the banking sector. Sohar International and Credit Oman supported the programme as official Event Partners. Designed to strengthen the export capabilities of manufacturers based in Oman, the seminar provided practical guidance for companies seeking to enter the U.S. healthcare market. Sessions addressed U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements, regulatory approvals, export readiness, investment opportunities, trade finance and export credit insurance.

H.E. Dr Ahmed bin Salem Al Mandhari, Undersecretary for Health Planning and Regulation at the Ministry of Health, opened the seminar and thanked AmCham Oman for its collaboration and the Department of Investment Empowerment for supporting investors in Oman and helping them explore opportunities beyond the Sultanate.
H.E. Dr Al Mandhari acknowledged the investment and effort made by manufacturers to develop Oman’s medical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as their continued work to meet quality and compliance standards.

He noted that an industrial survey conducted by the Department of Investment Empowerment showed that the sector had entered a new phase of growth. This growth is supported by increasing investor confidence, a rising number of factories and projects, and expanding opportunities for investment. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to increasing the localisation of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Oman, emphasising that continued progress would require collaboration, sustained commitment and further development of the achievements already made.

“Oman’s medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is entering a promising new phase, supported by growing investor confidence, new factories and expanding opportunities. By working together to strengthen quality, compliance and export
readiness, we can support local manufacturers, increase pharmaceutical localisation and open new pathways into international markets,” H.E. Dr Al Mandhari said.

Rebecca Olson, CEO of AmCham Oman, highlighted the commercial opportunities available to Omani manufacturers in the United States and AmCham Oman’s role in helping companies navigate the export journey. “Oman has capable manufacturers, strong products and a growing healthcare ecosystem. The opportunity now is to help companies understand precisely what is required to compete internationally and connect them with the right regulatory, commercial and
financial expertise,” Olson said.
“Our role at AmCham Oman is to serve as a bridge, supporting Omani manufacturers with the knowledge, regulatory guidance and export readiness pathways they need to approach the U.S. market with confidence.”

Harshal Dutia, Director of Trade and Investment at AmCham Oman, guided participants through the requirements and practical considerations involved in preparing products manufactured in Oman for export to the United States. His session also examined the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, which has been in force since 2009, and the customs advantages it offers for eligible Omani goods entering the United States. “Export readiness requires more than identifying a promising market. Manufacturers must
understand product classification, documentation, labelling, quality systems, regulatory responsibilities and the commercial realities of entering that market. This seminar helped companies assess where they currently stand and identify the practical steps they need to take next,” Dutia said.

The programme also featured Lisa Svinina, Head of the Pharma Business Unit at MROVIN, who addressed regulatory clearance and approval processes. Rabee Al Qadhi, Head of Global Trade Solutions at Sohar International, outlined trade finance
solutions available to manufacturers pursuing international growth. Mohammed Al Jabri, Senior Sales Manager at Credit Oman SAOC, discussed export credit insurance and strategies for managing commercial risk when entering new markets.

By the conclusion of the seminar, participating companies had gained a clearer understanding of U.S. FDA requirements and the practical steps involved in preparing to enter the U.S. market. The programme also connected manufacturers with specialists in regulation, investment, international trade, finance and export risk management. The seminar highlighted several opportunities for continued support, including follow-up meetings with participating manufacturers, export readiness assessments, regulatory
consultations, targeted workshops and connections with U.S.-based specialists. These opportunities can be developed according to the products, needs and readiness of participating companies.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to help Omani medical and pharmaceutical manufacturers understand the requirements of international markets, strengthen direct engagement with relevant government and financial institutions, and explore potential
partnerships and future areas of cooperation. It also supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by contributing to economic diversification, pharmaceutical localisation and the development of national healthcare system.