A Meet-the-Buyer seminar hosted by Origin Oman, an initiative to promote locally-made products, attracted more than 200 ministries as well as a host of manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors.

The seminar was held yesterday (April 27) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Muscat under the patronage of Eng Ahmed Al Dheeb, Under Secretary for Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

“It was more than apparent from the panel discussion and the questions from attendees that buyers are keen to discover new local suppliers,” said Eng Al Dheeb.

“Indeed, this type of event offers both businesses and government departments an excellent opportunity to network with domestic producers and suppliers. In my book, it was a resounding success,” he added.

“Origin Oman’s Meet-the-Buyer seminar was an invaluable tool in helping us generate new business leads,” said  Shatha Abbas, partner in The Nejd, luxury candle and soap manufacturer.

“It was a great opportunity to network and meet other producers, as well as a gateway to some of the country’s leading buyers. Today’s event has been very beneficial to our business.”

Origin Oman marketing director, Ibtisam Al Faruji said: “This is the first time we’ve run a Meet-the-Buyer style event and given the feedback we think it will a go a long a long way in helping local producers and buyers boost the sultanate’s economy.”

The day proved to be a major success for Mohammed Al Rasbi, CEO of local IT firm R&D: “In just one day I met potential customers that would take me weeks to go and see. I’ve been to a number of Origin Oman events recently and they’re a great place to meet potential clients.”

“And it was all free, so I couldn’t think of a better way to invest my time,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service