By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter

Doha will host an exhibition of Omani products, organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), from November 17 to 20.
Around 80 Omani companies and industrial organisations are expected to take part in the event, which will be held at Doha Exhibition Centre. The products on display will represent a variety of industries, including furniture, food processing, plastics, safety and security equipment, energy-related machinery, building materials and electronics.
The exhibition will feature specialised stands for different Omani government departments, such as the Ministry of Tourism and the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development.
Addressing a press briefing at Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday, OCCI vice-chairman Ayman Abdullah Mohamed al-Hasani said the organising committee of the exhibition is currently finalising preparations for the event - the first of its kind in Qatar and the second at the GCC level.
Al-Hasani said there is great potential for growth in trade exchange between Qatar and Oman. For instance, non-petroleum exports to Oman amounted to QR610bn in 2012 with a 33.7% increase as compared to 2011.
The official stressed that the exhibition would be a good opportunity to expand mutual business relations, act as an interactive platform to introduce the available investment opportunities in both countries and help facilitate direct communication between the businessmen of both Qatar and Oman.
A display on the creation of Omani sweets and handicrafts, such as daggers and pottery, will be organised on the sidelines of the exhibition.
“In Oman, we consider Qatar as a promising and highly active market and see it as one of the most important emerging markets in the GCC region,” said al-Hasani.
The organising committee will hold a special opening ceremony to mark the inauguration of the exhibition, reflecting the keenness to entertain their Qatari counterparts and customers.