Muscat: The Committee tasked with developing national industries and supporting Omani products held its first meeting of the year today under the chairmanship of Qais Mohammed al-Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in the presence of representatives of government departments concerned.

The committee supervises the implementation of the Industry Strategy 2040. It seeks to develop converting industries, keep pace with technology and knowledge updates. It explores ways to inculcate the culture of industrial innovation, draft programs and mechanisms for enhancing the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the industrial sector, and improving product quality.

The committee also specializes in drafting strategies, policies, procedures, and principles for applying added value in the industrial sector, generating new investment opportunities (to substitute imports and foster exports), and devising programs for the promotion of Omani products quality with the aim of augmenting the volume of sales in local and international markets.

Recently, the Ministry launched a campaign titled “Made in Oman” in partnership with government and private sectors. The campaign aimed to support Omani products, promote them locally and internationally, find marketing outlets for local products and boost SME exhibits in shopping centers in various governorates of the Sultanate.