A’Saffa Foods Entering Frozen Vegie Market

Oman’s fastest growing food producer and market leader, A’Saffa Foods is taking its first step into the non-meat food market with its introduction of frozen vegetables under the Khayrat brand label.

Peas Lead the Way

Frozen green peas and mixed vegetables will lead the way for A’Saffa, who is already a favorite among Omanis who are happy to support the local food manufacture who is venturing into the world of more healthy and natural food products.

Highest Quality, Best Nutrition

According to A’Saffa the new products, Khayrat Mixed Vegetables and Green Peas are carefully picked by hand from only the highest quality crops and then immediately frozen to preserve the taste and nutritional value at maximum levels.

Not Just Chicken

Until last year the company was famous as Oman’s premier producer of chicken with the name A’Saffa Poultry, when it expanded into other food products and changed its name to A’Saffa Foods. Their first new food offering was frozen beef burgers under the brand name Khayrat, introduced in 2010. As the company saw the success of this product they decided to add a frozen vegetable line.

The A’Saffa Foods head of marketing and sales Sidhartha Lenda commented at the announcement of the new product line,

“Over the past decade families across Oman have trusted us to bring them an exciting range of natural, healthy and protein packed products to the table and we are very proud to now introduce our very first frozen vegetable products to the market.

“As with all of our food products, we have undertaken extensive research into the demand for frozen vegetables and are very confident that with the A’Saffa stamp of quality behind them the public will welcome these two new Khayrat products into the market. We take great pride in our food and we continue our tradition of serving family-favorite foods that are healthy and wholesome.”

Oman Tourism Up 15% in 2011

Oman Tourism Up

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Oman has seen a 15 percent increase in passenger arrivals to Muscat International Airport in the 12 months ending in June, 2011 as compared to 2010.

Travel Warnings Dampen Toursim

This is good news for Oman after a poor turnout of tourists in the first three months of 2011 due to international travel warnings to the area. The rebound in tourism brought about 2.23 million travelers to the Sultanate’s main airport during the course of the year.

As a result of the increase in tourism it is believed that Oman will take substantial steps to revive and improve business in the travel sector of the economy. Planning meetings for strategy and travel were held in mid-August among the heads of international offices of the Ministry of Tourism.

Tourism on the Rebound

Al Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, the Minister of Tourism in Oman released a statement saying:

“Travel to Oman has rebounded strongly with most of Oman’s key tourism source markets recording remarkable year on year growth. The highest growth came from Italy (60 per cent), UAE (31 per cent), Germany (22 per cent), France (14 per cent) and The Netherlands (8 per cent).

“Our European trade partners are reporting solid forward bookings so we expect a strong end of year result for Oman’s tourism industry.”

Sultanate Planning for More Tourism

Analysis of the IATA data show detailed results which can help the Sultanate’s planning for future tourism. A comparison of June’s travel statistics in 2011 and 2010 shows that all tourism source-markets showed improvement except for tourism from the United Kingdom. This is believed to be due to austerity measures placed on Britons to discourage long international trips. However in Italy there was a 228 percent increase in tourism to Oman; the Netherlands showed a 52 percent increase; and from Belgium 33 percent more tourists came to Oman.

This data also highlights the positive impact of Oman Air’s services to our larger volume markets such as France, Germany and the UAE.

“Arrivals from France and Germany continue to increase since the start of non-stop services in late 2009. We expect similar positive outcome from Oman Air services to Zurich in October and Moscow in November,” added the Tourism Minister Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili.

GCI Ranks Oman High on World Economic Stage

Dr. Salem ben Nasser al Ismaily

The 2011/2012 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index has ranked Oman as the 32nd most competitive country in the world. This result comes despite the fact that the past year was a tumultuous one for the Middle East and especially the Gulf States.

Oman Moving Up

The high ranking is an improvement of two places since last year’s index, and the 32nd spot is higher than such westernized countries as Spain, Poland, Italy and Slovenia, all members of the European Union.  The Chairman of the Public Authority of Investment, Promotion and Export Development, Dr. Salem ben Nasser al Ismaily, remarked that,

“The World Economic Forum’s GCI is keenly followed by investors across the world as it gauges how conducive to business government policies are.”

Constant Improvement

The Public Authority for Investment also stated that the positive results of the index are a result of the Sultanate’s economic policies which never cease to work at improving the economic and business climate of Oman.

“Oman’s ranking reaffirms that we are moving in the right direction with liberal economic policies reflecting the market forces especially as regards reinforcing the role of the private sector as the engine for growth,” explained Ismaily further.

Companies Vying to Construct Wastwater Treatment Plant in Oman

As the September deadline for submission for proposals to build Haya Water’s Amerat water treatment plant approaches, at least 33 bidders are vying for the contract.

Construction to Begin by End of 2012

The contract to construct the 18,000 cubic meter capacity waste-water treatment plant is expected to be awarded sometime in the second quarter of 2012. It is most likely that actual construction of the plant will begin about 6 months after the contract is awarded, and building it will take upwards of 30 months before it is finished.

In a statement from Haya Water it is expected that the treatment plant’s capacity should serve the community for the next 15-20 years at the current and projected rate of population growth and development.

Amerat Plant Key to Region’s Development

The chief executive officer of Haya Water, Omar al Wahaibi explained that the further development of the whole sewer system of the wilayat region will depend greatly on the construction of the Amerat wastewater treatment plant.

In the early stages of the running of the plant, private interests will be in charge, with Haya Water only taking over full management at some point in the future.

Oman to Streamline Job Searches Electronically

Using the latest methods in information of technology, the government of Oman, through the Ministry of Manpower, announced its plans to establish an electronically based system to help job hunters find employment suited to their particular skills and training.

This decision is only the latest in a series of moves designed to help shrink the gap which exists between what the labor market in Oman requires and what job-seekers have to offer.
The plan to create the e-employment data base was announced this past Sunday by the Minister of Manpower, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Bakri. The project is called the National e-Employment System and will be developed in partnership between the Information Technology Authority (ITA) and the main entity in Oman that conducts the census.

Minister Bakri explained that the system will be able to give job-seekers information about job openings which are well suited to that individual’s educational level and skill set. Omanis who are unemployed can register on-line for the service on the web site of the Ministry of Manpower and then be able to look at the database which will list both public and private sector job openings which are compatible with the person’s abilities and knowledge.

An added advantage of the e-Employment system will be its ability to offer advice to those looking for jobs on what kind of training they might need to improve their professional skills.
Training programs will be offered to job-seekers through the ministry utilizing its extensive network of vocational schools and colleges as well as through private training providers with the help of government financial support.

The program is part of Oman’s goal to find work for unemployed Omanis as a response to the demands of protestors in Oman earlier this year. So far, under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos, the government has created 50,000 job openings for unemployed nationals, and hopes to continue on to more successful lowering of Oman’s rate of unemployment.

Port of Sohar Home to New Producer of Sulphur-Based Fertilizer

The investment subsidiary of Oman Oil Company, Takamul Investment Company, is joining with CoreSulphur, one of the world’s leading providers of technology, to create a new, major, sulphur bentonite and micronutrient facility near the Port of Sohar in Oman.

New Company Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers

The complex will be owned and operated by these companies along with another Oman-based firm, Awtad Projects and Development.  As a group these businesses have created a new company, Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers LLC, which will be the owner and operator of the facility.

The complex will utilize cutting-edge technologies and will be the first of its kind in Oman. The facility will have its home in close proximity to the Sohar Refinery plant which is part of Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries (ORPIC.)

Feedstock Sulphur Readily Available

The officials on the project explained that the source for feedstock sulphur will be the Sohar Refinery, which is close to where the new facility will be built. The refinery can produce approximately 140 tonnes of molten sulphur every day, a major by-product of the process of refining crude oil.

Last year a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sohar Refinery and Takamul stating that the sulphur produced by the Sohar Refinery will be dedicated to the Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers LLC. As a consequence of this agreement, the sulphur, which right now is being shipped to other regional and international locations, will permit the additional processing of sulphur into a valuable commodity locally.

International Player in Fast-Growing Market

Kent Lambden, managing director of CoreSulphur, commented on its newly formed partnership with Takamul:

“As the foremost expert in sulphur bentonite and sulphur micronutrient fertilizers, CoreSulphur’s formation of Sohar Sulphur Fertilizer positions us as a fast-growing international player in a high-growth market. Our partnerships with leading firms, such as Takamul and Awtad, highlight our expertise and stance within the industry. We’re extremely pleased to expand into Oman to provide unmatched products to areas that need it most.”

Mitsubishi Oman Creates Family Atmosphere in Showroom During Ramadan

Ramadan is drawing to a close, and as it does, the staff at Mitsubishi Oman is reflecting on the “family” atmosphere which the company created during the holy month.

Away From Real Families

Due to the later evening hours that the staff was required to work during the month of Ramadan, employees spent more hours than usual away from their families. But this was not as large a problem has it could have been, considering that employees working at the Muscat Mitsubishi showroom felt that they were together with their “second” family during the special time of year.

The three employees at the the showroom explained that Ramadan is the busiest time of year for selling cars in Oman, and the work load and customer interfacing are stressful, but because of the positive and upbeat attitude of the co-workers, it was enjoyable to explain the special qualities which Mitsubishi cars and SUVs exhibit.

One of the staff, Waleed Al Hosni explained:

“The great team we have here at Mitsubishi makes me feel that I am with my family whether it is in or out of Ramadan and that compensates a great deal for being away from your family in the evenings during this time of year.

“And even though the showroom is much busier we really enjoy the work and do not feel we are working harder than at other times of year.  As a team I also feel that we work even closer together as we are all sharing the spirit of Ramadan at this special time of year.”

Manager Pleased with Staff, Too

General Manager of Mitsubishi Oman, Mark Tomlinson commented on the strong commitment and great enthusiasm that his staff exhibited during Ramadan:

“Every year I am delighted by the response of our staff to working the evening shift in particular until Midnight and the enthusiasm and commitment of all our staff – especially the many Omanis who are working in the showroom and dealing with our customers during what is the busiest time of the year.

“As Eid approaches I would like to thank all of our staff across Mitsubishi Oman for their tremendous support and hard work in helping to make Ramadan a great success once again.”

BankDhofar Takes Second Place in Bowling Championship

 

Bowling Team 2011

BankDhofar was just one among ten different regional banks taking part in the Bowling Championship for Banks which happened on Wednesday, August 24, at the Al Masa Mall Bowling Hall in Al Shati in Muscat.

The executive president of the Central Bank of Oman, H.E. Hamood Sangoor Al Zadjali was on hand as an honored guest, while bank representative Mr. Hani Habbib Macki, AGM for Strategy and Planning also was in attendance.

The goal of the Championship tournament was to create a positive social setting for bankers of different companies to be able to communicate and share ideas while also becoming better acquainted with one another.

The tournament is an annual event which is one component of a series of activities specially organized during the month of Ramadan.

BankDhofar hosts a wide variety of events which are directed towards encouraging employee motivation, spirit and morale. The range of activities varies from sports to workshops and courses plus entertainment. All the events contribute to building a well-functioning team with a strong and positive work culture.

Pirates Hijack Ship While Anchored Near Oman Coast

MT Fairchem Bogey

In an incident which observers fear may be an indication of a dangerous trend towards escalation of piracy on the high seas, the oil tanker MT Fairchem Bogey was hijacked while at anchor off the Salalah coast of Oman this past Saturday.

No Safe Place Left

Piracy of merchant ships has been a growing problem for businesses which rely on sea transport for the delivery of their goods. Until now, however, ships were considered to be safe while anchored adjacent to ports. With this latest incident in Oman the feeling among those involved in sea trade is that there may be no safe place left for ships.

On Saturday the pirates, who are believed to be Somali nationals, boarded the MT Fairchem, took the crew of 21 Indian nationals hostage, and forced the crew to sail the ship to an unnamed island off the coast of Somalia.

Fearless Pirates

The director general of shipping, Satish Agnihotri said,

“Earlier, pirates were found to carry out attacks on ships sailing in the high seas but now we find that even at places near the port or the coast, where ships are anchored and considered safe by seafarers, pirates are fearlessly carrying out attacks. It could be the first such case but is very alarming. Despite deployment of forces in the high seas, pirates are not stopping their operations and are going a step ahead by carrying out attacks like this one.”

Watching Ship’s Movements

The Anglo Ship Management Private Limited, the ship management company of the MT Fairchem, informed the Directorate General (DG) of Shipping of the hijacking on Saturday. The DG in turn brought the incident to the attention of several maritime security services, such as the Navy, Coast Guard and special forces, as well as the navies of other nations. There has been an international call for various agencies and countries to close observe the movements of the ship and constantly keep watch on the vessel’s trajectory.

“We have information about where the pirates are taking the vessel to but they cannot be intercepted until they reach their destination as they have 21 crew members hostage and their life could be under threat. We are waiting once they reach their destination and then start communication from their side so that negotiations and talks could be done for the release of the captured vessel and crew members,” said Agnihotri.

Oman Economy Grows as Inflation Lessens

Recent reports publicized in Oman have revealed a growth of 11.8% over the past three quarters. During the first quarter of this year, the country saw a 15.3% increase in economy as a result of strong oil prices, while inflation dwindled towards the lower end of the Central Bank’s prediction.

“This is a good performance given the unrest in the first quarter, although much of the nominal growth could be accounted for by higher oil prices,” said Liz Martins of HSBC. “The key will be whether this feeds through to job creation, particularly among Omani nationals.”

Following some major jumps in GDP, protests have encouraged Sultan Qaboos bin Said to pledge $2.6 billion in spending in April, as well as to create 50,000 new jobs.

An official from Central Bank recently predicted a 5% increase in Oman’s economy, and the Internatinal Monetary Fund calculated that Oman’s real GDP did in fact rise above 4.2%.