Oman,
KSA Explore Means of Enhancing Cooperation in Standards, Quality, Investment
Attraction

Muscat,
30 Sep (ONA) — The Directorate General for Specifications and Metrology, part
of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, today hosted a
Saudi delegation at its headquarters in Muscat.

The
delegation was led by Dr. Saad Othman Al Qasabi, Governor of the Saudi
Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), with the aim of
finalizing joint programs and expanding cooperation between the two sides in
the quality system.

During
the visit, an expanded meeting was held between the Saudi delegation and Dr.
Saleh Said Masn, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and
Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry. Discussions focused on
mechanisms for unifying Gulf standard specifications and supporting joint
efforts in standardization, quality, and conformity assessment. This aligns
with the requirements for industrial and commercial development and the goals
of Gulf economic integration.

The
meeting covered several strategic areas, including developing mechanisms for mutual
recognition of quality marks, implementing joint training programs for national
cadres in technical regulations, accreditation, and issuing conformity
certificates. They also discussed developing electronic platforms and
supporting technologies for conformity work, and exploring ways to benefit from
Saudi Arabia’s experience in market surveillance and controlling non-conforming
and counterfeit products.

Both
sides agreed to form a joint bilateral committee tasked with preparing and
updating standard specifications and technical regulations. They will also
explore opportunities to enhance and improve the readiness of technical
laboratories, which will contribute to raising the efficiency of the Gulf
quality system and boosting the competitiveness of products and services in
local and regional markets.

Meanwhile,
the Invest Oman lounge received an official Saudi delegation led by Eng. Al
Badr bin Adel Foudah, Acting Undersecretary of Industrial Development at the
Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The delegation was briefed on
the prominent national initiatives for attracting investments, the available
investment opportunities in promising sectors, and the services and facilities
offered to investors through the lounge.

The
Omani side presented a visual presentation to the delegation, reviewing Oman’s competitive
advantages, and the attractive investment environment and various incentives it
provides.

—Ends/AG