Omani Official Drives Trade and Tourism Growth in Taiwan

Despite being the sole Omani representative in Taiwan, Sulaiman Bin Sultan Al Mughairy, the director of the Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman, has made significant strides in promoting Oman among Taiwan’s 23 million residents. His efforts have not only enhanced trade relations but also vigorously promoted Oman’s tourism sector.

Recognition and Growth in Bilateral Trade
Under Al Mughairy’s leadership, the office has received accolades, including a top-five ranking from the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China for outstanding foreign representative offices. Since its inception in 1991, bilateral trade between Oman and Taiwan has skyrocketed from under $100 million to an impressive $4 billion.

Educational Contributions and Cultural Exchange
Al Mughairy’s connection with Taiwan dates back to 1995 when he first represented the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). He is also the founder of Majan College in Oman, contributing significantly to educational development.

Engaging and Informative Outreach
The Commercial Office engages with the Taiwanese community by distributing multilingual materials and maintaining a bilingual website, attracting nearly 42,000 visitors annually. These efforts ensure the office reaches a wide audience, promoting understanding and cooperation.

Untapped Investment Opportunities
Al Mughairy views Taiwan as a burgeoning market with vast potential, urging Omani businesses to explore opportunities in various sectors like manufacturing, from consumer goods to airplane parts. He encourages participation in Taiwan’s 80 annual trade exhibitions to foster partnerships and explore new markets.

Focus on SMEs and Technology Transfer
Recognizing the unique strengths of Taiwan’s SME sector, Al Mughairy advocates for collaboration and knowledge exchange. He supports initiatives to send SME delegations to Taiwan to learn from its advanced regulatory and incubation frameworks.

Investments and Trade in Key Sectors
While Taiwan has invested in Oman’s petrochemical and solar energy sectors, opportunities for reciprocal investments remain vast. Al Mughairy stresses the ease of technology transfer from Taiwan and encourages greater funding for such initiatives.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Although primarily a commercial office, Al Mughairy’s efforts extend to tourism, where he has engaged with the Association of National Tourism Office Representatives (ANTOR) in Taiwan. His office promotes Oman as an attractive tourist and medical destination, leveraging Taiwan’s advanced infrastructure and friendly relations.

Efforts to Streamline Visa Processes
The office also works to facilitate travel between the two nations, advocating for visas on arrival for Taiwanese visitors and streamlined processes for Omani tourists.