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