OMAN FM ON US-ARAB ECONOMIC FORUM

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000744 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, EB/CBA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP EAID ECON ETRD XF MU SUBJECT: OMAN FM ON US-ARAB ECONOMIC FORUM REF: STATE 73298 ¶1. The is an action message. Please see para 5. ¶2. In a May 9 meeting, the Ambassador briefed Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi on the upcoming U.S.-Arab Economic Forum in Houston from June 27-29 (reftel). The Ambassador described the Forum as a unique opportunity to promote Oman in light of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement and expected business opportunities. He suggested the attendance of Commerce Minister Maqbool Sultan, as well as the Minister of Oil and Gas, and the Minister of Social Development, given the Forum,s focus on women. ¶3. Bin Alawi noted his familiarity with the Forum, having attended in 2003. He said that he had already received the invitation to this year,s Forum, but would not be able to attend. He planned to ask Omani Ambassador to the U.S. Hunaina al-Mughairy to represent him. Bin Alawi also mentioned the possibility of the Minister of Commerce and members of the Omani Chamber of Commerce and Industry joining the Omani delegation at the Forum. ¶4. The Ambassador stressed that a speech by the Omani Minister of Commerce at the Forum, especially after the congressional vote on the FTA, would be very effective and timely, even if he could not stay for the entire conference. The Ambassador also suggested Oman send a representative who could address women,s issues. ¶5. Action request: Department is asked to pass Post information on Omanis invited to the USAEF. If Commerce and Industry Minister Maqbool Sultan has not been invited, Post urges that he be considered and that organizers find a place in the program for him if he attends. GRAPPO