FTA AWARENESS LACKING

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000445 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI AND EB/CBA (BBEHRENS) STATE PASS USTR FOR JBUNTIN COMMERCE FOR ITA/LOUSTAUNAU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ECON ETRD PREL MU SUBJECT: FTA AWARENESS LACKING REF: MUSCAT 102 This is an action request. Please see paragraph 5. -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Meetings with Omani Ministry of Commerce officials reveal that Oman does not yet have an FTA awareness campaign in place. Examples of how other FTA partners promoted their agreements, as well as BFIF assistance, would aid in promotion efforts. End Summary. -------------- CAMPAIGN NOT DEVELOPED -------------- ¶2. On March 12 and 13, Econoff and USDOC International Trade Administration Middle East Director Cherie Loustaunau discussed FTA promotion efforts with Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) officials. Dr. Said al-Riyami, Special Advisor and main FTA point of contact at the MOCI, noted that promoting the FTA would be essential to the campaign's success, but felt that now would be too early to launch a formal campaign. ¶3. On the other hand, OCCI Director General Mohammad al-Shoraiqi took a more pro-active stance toward early FTA promotion. He acknowledged that the government needed to create a team, led by OCCI, to develop a campaign focused both on Omani and U.S. markets. Al-Shoraiqi envisioned the government reaching out to the business community and the chambers of commerce to highlight opportunities in the areas of oil, gas-based products, fishing, tourism, water resources, and energy alternatives. Loustaunau replied that the DOC could assist through its comprehensive system of Export Assistance Centers. ¶4. Econoff also asked al-Shoraiqi for his thoughts on holding, in conjunction with appropriate Omani government entities, a one-day FTA Awareness conference (reftel). Al-Shoraiqi thought that such a conference, featuring speakers from Oman, the U.S., and Jordan would be well-received. He also thought that it should be timed in conjunction with a visit from a 10-15 member American trade mission, as well as tour operators. -------------- ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶5. Oman would benefit from learning about how other FTA partners promoted their FTA's in advance of the implementation date. The Embassy requests relevant information to share with appropriate Omani officials, as well as an indication of whether BFIF assistance would be possible to defray the costs of a one-day FTA Awareness conference. STEWART