Tejarah Talks, a new initiative launched by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) will hold its first event on February 23 at the Civil Aviation Authority Training Centre in Al Hail North.

Supported by Sohar Port & Freezone, HSBC and Oman Business Forum, over the coming year Tejarah Talks will bring together panels of experts, business and thought leaders in a series of seven interactive and informal discussion-led evening sessions to examine key issues shaping Oman’s business landscape, influencing the sultanate’s socio-economic environment, impacting investment and driving non-oil exports.

Thanking Sohar Port & Freezone, HSBC and Oman Business Forum for their support of Tejarah Talks, Maymuna Al Adawi, MoCIIP Director and Tejarah Talks organiser said, “Through this inspiring initiative, we look forward to showcasing the dynamism of business and industry in Oman and highlighting how under the wise guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman Vision 2040 is creating the conditions where more than ever investors in our country can grow, succeed and thrive.”

Tackling topics directly relevant to business, industry and investment in Oman, economic diversification and job creation as well as pressing global issues, Tejarah Talks will explore post-COVID company culture, the evolving world of manufacturing, cracking export markets, the green transition, creative industries and Gen Z, and marketing in the new data-led world. The first Tejarah Talks session will examine the role of sustainability in enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment and unlocking new opportunities.

Al Adawi added, “I am delighted to share that Sustainability: A Nice-to-have or a Need-to-have? will be the focus of our first Tejarah Talks. Of extreme importance and highly topical as the world works towards meeting the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, this is a central pillar of Oman Vision 2040 and something many Omani companies are building their strategies and future success around. Amongst them is Sohar Port & Freezone with its plans to create a hub for lower-cost hydrogen and develop a 3.5GW solar power capacity. Another standout project is the green hydrogen plant spearheaded by OQ on the Special Economic Zone Duqm. In fact, attendees will hear from a panel of local and international businesses committed to innovative thinking to reverse climate change, lower Oman’s CO2 emissions, improve sustainability and lead the transition to renewables.”

Starting at 7:30pm, the talks will be moderated by His Highness Sayyid Dr Adham Al Said, Founder, The Firm, the evening’s panellists are Mazin Al Saadi, HSSE Manager, Mazoon Dairy; Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO, Sohar Port & Freezone; Dr Firas Al Abduwani, VP, Clean Energy OQ Alternative Energy; Simon Adcock, Head, Commercial Banking, HSBC; and Dr Michael Tsang, Founder, Three Pillars Consulting.

Designed to educate, inspire and entertain, Tejarah Talks are open to the general public and live-streamed to the world via MoCIIP’s Twitter feed to both share discussion outputs and the strength and possibilities of Oman’s competitive offer with as wide an audience as possible.