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