OMAN FY 07 BFIF UPDATE

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000791 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CBA (DWINSTEAD) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON BEXP MU SUBJECT: OMAN FY 07 BFIF UPDATE REF: A. WINSTEAD-GRIMM EMAIL OF 8/15/07 ¶B. STATE 57875 ¶1. Embassy reports that it has spent $1454.28 out of the $3515 authorized under reftel B for BFIF-related activities during FY07. The money utilized from this account covered hotel and meal expenses for the Economic/Commercial Officer's attendance at June 26-30 Trade Implementation Agreement course held at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington. This course assisted the officer in better understanding international trade regimes and the importance of trade agreements in securing U.S. investor rights in anticipation of the implementation of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement. ¶2. Embassy will be unable to utilize the remaining funds for further FTA-related activities before the end of the fiscal year. Embassy remains keenly interested in sending its Commercial Assistant to Dubai to participate in the staging of a trade show with fellow U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Colleagues. She initially was scheduled to attend such a show in June, but due to a visiting Gold Key service, she was unable to attend. Her attendance at an event in November will enable her to learn from her more experienced colleagues in how to organize and coordinate a catalogue show here in Muscat. ¶3. Embassy also remains interested in sponsoring the Executive Director of the American Business Chamber of Dubai for a two-day visit to Muscat to mentor her counterpart at the Muscat American Business Council (MABC). Due to the sudden resignation of the MABC president in June and the uncertainty regarding the future plans of the MABC's Executive Director, Embassy recommends postponing this opportunity until the staffing situation is clarified. ¶4. Finally, Embassy would like to use BFIF monies to publish an upcoming study of the potential impact of the FTA on Oman's economy. The study, to be conducted by consultants at Booz Allen Hamilton, will commence during the second week of September. Embassy estimates that the final product will be ready for publication in November. ¶5. Embassy appreciates the continued BFIF assistance in promoting the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement. GRAPPO