Doing Business in

OMAN

Produced by the UKTI Team in OMAN Contact: Sam Oliver Email: Sam.Oliver@fco.gov.uk Last Updated: July 2012
The purpose of the Doing Business guides, prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Reports contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Reports contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report.

Are you a member of a UK company wishing to export overseas? Interested in entering or expanding your activity in the Omani market? Then this guide is for you! The main objective of this Doing Business Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Oman; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and an introduction to other relevant issues. Novice exporters, in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the UKTI team in Oman. Full contact details are available at the end of this guide.

Important Information Sanctions and Embargoes

Some countries maybe subject to export restrictions due to sanctions and embargoes placed on them by the UN or EU. Exporting companies are responsible for checking that their goods can be exported and that they are using the correct licences. Further information is available on the Businesslink site

Content

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Introduction................................................................................................................4 Preparing to Export to Oman ......................................................................................6 How to do business in Oman ......................................................................................6 Business Etiquette, Language and Culture ...............................................................14 What are the challenges? .........................................................................................14 How to Invest in Oman .............................................................................................15 Contacts ....................................................................................................................15 Resources/Useful Links ............................................................................................16

1.

Introduction

The UK exported 389 million worth of goods to the Sultanate of Oman in 2011. In 2009 Omani exports to the UK reached 149 million. Consistently high oil prices mean that Omans economy, like the rest of the Gulf, is very strong and continues to grow year on year. Record budget surpluses are adding impetus to Omans ongoing infrastructure and industrial development programme. Oil and gas exports provide the backbone of Omans economy. A key strand of current economic policy, therefore, is to gradually decrease the countrys reliance on oil income through downstream oil industry development (petrochemicals/metals), port and logistics development, fisheries, and a modern and expanded tourism industry. The country relies on oil for most its revenue, and defence accounts for one third of its expenditure. Strengths of the market Open economy, mostly reliant on imports. No personal income tax. Full repatriation of capital, net profit and royalties English widely spoken and accepted as a business language. Good connectivity by air to all major cities Access route to Asian and African markets Oman is one of UKs major trade partners UK is Omans preferred educational destination Majority of the Western tourists visiting Oman are from the UK and UK residents are the largest Western expatriate segment in Oman

Britain has enjoyed a formal trading relationship with Oman for over 350 years and is Oman's eight largest source of imports. British goods and services are well known and well received; British Standards are widely used and accepted. Machinery, engineering equipment, tools, and construction products are in good demand. Although bulk of the construction work is carried out by local contractors, a number of projects involving international contractors are in the pipeline. British engineering consultants and specialist service providers still continue to have a major share of the market. Apart from oil, gas and petrochemicals, healthcare, education and training also provide good opportunities for the UK. Plans to develop Omans tourism potential have stimulated activity in the hotel and leisure sector. UK consultants with a varying range of expertise are able to find frequent short and medium term assignments in a number of areas. A long-term approach and a high level of business loyalty are essential for successful market penetration and for sustaining market share. Exhibitions held in the UAE eg Big Five (construction), Index (buildings), Gitex (IT/Telecoms), ArabHealth etc draw a large number of Omani visitors. Opportunities in Oman Against the backdrop of the global economic situation, the Government of Oman is committed to public spending and all the planned projects are going ahead as scheduled. A number of large infrastructure and developmental projects are now under construction. These include new build ports, airports, roads, industrial zones and special economic zones, and a new railway line over 1000 Km in length that should be operational by 2018-19. Total spend on developmental projects between now and 2020 will be in the region of $30 billion. 4

Trade between UK and Oman British businesses have performed well in the following sectors: Transport equipment (largely defence-related) Telecommunications Power-generating machinery Industrial machinery Electrical machinery Scientific instruments Pharmaceuticals Chemicals Invisible exports (training/education/services etc)

Economic and political situation The major industries in Oman are oil, natural gas, agriculture and fishing. Omans economy grew by nearly 5.5% in 2011, supported by high oil prices (oil revenues make up over 50 per cent of GDP), an increase in natural gas output and buoyant activity in the non-hydrocarbon sector. International Relations Oman values its good relations with its GCC partners (Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait), and has good working relations with Iran. Bilateral Trade The UK has a healthy trading relationship with Oman. In many sectors the UK is seen as the clear partner of choice. The UK is Omans eight largest trading partner. In 2011, British exports to Oman totaled 389 million. In the first Quarter of 2012 exports had increased by a further 29%. UK exports are mainly industrial machinery and transport equipment, much of it associated with the oil industry, and power generating machinery and equipment. UK Defence sales to Oman are considerable but the amounts are not included in generic export data. Principal commercial centres and towns Muscat is not only the capital of Oman and seat of government, but also the largest city, major port and centre for finance, light industry and many of the service industries. For those who wish to get out and about, Oman has an excellent road network. Driving times are approximately: Nizwa 1.15 hours, Sohar 2 hours and Sur 3 hours. Salalah, the second largest city, is 1000kms south of Muscat. Its main industry is the ultra modern Salalah container port and Free Trade Zone. Flying time to Salalah is 1 hours. Duqm, a small fishing village midway between Muscat and Salalah has been slated for focused development and will be home for about 20,000 people in ten years. Developmental activity envisaged here includes, in addition to an already operational Dry Dock, industrial port, fishing harbor, petrochemical and industrial cluster, tourism and leisure facilities etc. Standard of living Oman is ranked 89th in the 2011 UN Human Development Report, with a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.705. The HDI focuses on three measurable dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, education and a decent standard of living. 2011 GDP per capita was US$22,841.

Population The Omani society is multi-racial with an estimated population of 3.2 million of which over a million are expatriates, mostly from the sub-continent. The indigenous population is growing at 3.5 per cent and over half of the population is under the age of 20. Useful Weblinks The following websites provide practical advice about investing and setting up a business in Oman. World Banks Country Profile for Oman The Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development Getting here and advice about your stay

FCO Travel Advice

2. Preparing to Export to Oman The FCO website has travel advice to help you prepare for your visits overseas and to stay safe and

secure while you are there. UKTIs team in Oman can provide a range of services to British-based companies wishing to grow their For advice please visit the FCO Travel section business in the Oman market. Our services include the provision of market information, validated For more details regarding Oman visas please visit the Royal Oman Police website.

2.

Preparing to Export to Oman

In most cases doing business in Oman requires local representation in the form of an agent or distributor. The appointment of a local partner/representative will only be the first step. Family businesses dominate the business environment, and personal relationships are important. Therefore regular visits to the market, especially during the early phase, are an important part of a successful interaction with the agent/distributor. British companies wishing to approach the Oman market are advised to undertake as much market research and planning as possible in the UK. UKTIs team in Oman can provide a range of services to help UK companies access the market. These services include the provision of market information, validated lists of agents/potential partners, key market players or potential customers; establishing the interest of such contacts in working with the company; and arranging appointments. In addition, they can also organise events specifically designed to cultivate contacts or launch or promote a company and its products/services.

You can commission these chargeable services through UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). Under this service, the Embassy's Trade & Investment Advisers, who have wide local experience and 3. How to do business in Oman knowledge, can identify business partners and provide the support and advice most relevant to your company's specific needs in the market. Local representation To find out more about commissioning work, please contact your local UKTI office. See www.utki.gov.uk

The Omani market is import-oriented, highly competitive and has a vendor culture. Several major end-users, as well as the Omani Commercial Law, encourage vendors to have a registered local agent. The success of a product depends to a great extent on the agent. There is no standard format for agency agreements; however it is recommended that if necessary, representational or selling arrangements are tested out over a trial period before being formalised. Such arrangements can become difficult and expensive to get out of once in place. Labeling and packaging regulations Labeling in Arabic is required on all consumer products. Labels need to provide information that includes placement of identification data, identification of the manufacturer, product information, and standard quality disclosures. Additionally, many food products may also have to comply with hygiene and ingredients regulations. Import controls Imports must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and a commercial invoice, which must be certified by an Omani Consulate or representative abroad. Import of goods originating from Israel is prohibited. Import of alcohol, firearms, narcotics and explosives require a special license. Commercial Samples and Temporary Imports Oman has no provisions for the temporary entry of goods. Therefore samples brought into the country are liable to duty. Bona fide un-saleable commercial samples, in reasonable quantities, may be sent by post or as airfreight and no duty is charged. Such samples should have a declaration that they are samples. With the exception of a few items, import duties in Oman are levied at a rate of five to 15 per cent. For samples of high value, e.g. jewellery, a bank guarantee is required the value is calculated on the basis of the appropriate duty. Arrangements should be made for a bank in Oman to issue a guarantee in Rials Omani, which should be given, with an itemised list (in duplicate) of the samples, to the customs officer on arrival. On departure, the items will be checked against a copy of the list and customs duty must then be paid on the items not re-exported. The bank guarantee, less 1% in the case of jewellery, will then be given back to the returning visitor. For more details please visit the Royal Oman Police website. Anti Dumping and Countervailing Dumping occurs when a non-Oman firm sells its product in Oman for less than it sells it in its own country, in order to gain market share or undermine an existing or emerging industry in Oman. Oman can apply anti-dumping or countervailing duties to these products. These additional duties are imposed on a temporary basis to counteract the effects of an unfairly low price or an unfair subsidy to the producer. An example of an unfair subsidy would be government grants, capital loans, favourable loan guarantees, export rebates, and tax incentives.

These duties can only be imposed if the imported goods have caused, or are likely to cause, material harm to the Oman domestic market. Customs duties Customs duties for most goods are charged at 5 per cent of cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value. Certain essential consumer goods and other items are exempted from customs duty. Examples of these include currency, gold and silver bullion, seeds, fertilisers, live plants, agricultural implements and insecticides, books, refined petroleum products, tea and various foodstuffs. Special duties apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and pork products (up to 200 per cent). The Government imposes duties of 10 to 50 per cent on some items in order to protect nascent domestic industries. With a few exceptions, goods produced in other GCC countries enter duty free if accompanied by certificates of origin. For more details on customs, exempted goods, restricted & banned items and temporary exports visit the Royal Oman Police website. Corporate Income Tax Since 2010, companies registered in Oman with or without foreign participation, and branches of companies registered in the GCC will be taxed at rate 12 per cent for taxable income over 30,001 OMRs. Higher tax rates previously levied on branches of foreign companies have been removed. Capital Gains Tax There is no separate tax levied on capital gains. Capital gains relating to business activities are subject to tax as business profits. Social Security Taxes Social security currently only applies to Omani employees. The Government, employers and employees must make contributions towards a pension fund. The rates are three per cent for Government eight per cent for employers and five per cent for employees. In addition to this, employers must contribute an amount equal to one per cent of an employee's salary to cover the risks of occupational injuries and diseases. Double Taxation Agreement A double taxation agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom was signed in London on 23 February 1998 and revised in 2009. This was the UK's first such agreement with a Gulf country. Under the terms of the agreement, business profits are generally to be taxed only in the country where the taxpayer is resident, unless they arise through a 'permanent establishment' in the other country. Where, under the agreement, income continues to be taxable in both countries, credit will be given in the taxpayer's country of residence for tax imposed on the same income in the source country. Website address http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxtreaties/in-force/oman-dtaconsolidated.pdf.

Export Documentation Most UK imports into Oman (except those of low monetary value) require a commercial invoice and an Arab-British Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin. The commercial invoice must be a supplier's invoice and may not originate from agents or representatives or importers. It should be a supplier's certified statement of origin. The commercial invoice and certificate of origin must be legalised by the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London. Standards and Technical Regulations All imported foodstuffs must have the date of manufacture and date of expiry clearly shown on the labels. British Standards are widely used in the Sultanate of Oman, making it easier for British companies to export their products to these markets on the back of conformity to established specifications. There are now over 18,000 British Standard publications covering all industry sectors, with some 2,000 new or revised standards being issued each year to keep the technical content up-to-date and to encompass new materials, processes and technologies. There is also more emphasis now for UK suppliers to be registered to ISO 9000, relating to international quality management systems, as well as ISO 14001, the environmental management systems standard. Both of these standards have Bidding for Tenders in Oman All ministries have an internal tender department that deals with projects within a value of RO 1 million. Contracts for all Government projects having a value above this limit is dealt with by the Oman Tender Board. Tenders are contested keenly and the bidding process is fairly transparent. Contractors and consultants are registered with the Tender Board(s) and are graded according to their capabilities. The lowest bidder usually wins. However post-tender price negotiations is a common practice. The Tender Board has introduced an e-Tendering System to float tenders (as per Tender Law) for all Ministries and Government entities with an aim to simplify the entire bid submission and tender evaluation process. The new electronic system is designed for transparent and swift processing of tenders. All companies registered and non-registered with Tender Board should register themselves in the new e-Tendering system and create their unique user IDs. Companies are requested to fill in their company details as per the information requested and submit the same for approval by Tender Board. Companies with valid Tender Board registration are exempted from paying any additional registration fee. Registration through e-Tendering system has been available online since 12th July 2010. Website Address: https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.om For further guidance and technical support please contact: E-Tendering Helpdesk 9

Tender Board Oman Tel: +968 2469 8621 R-mail: helpdesk@tenderboard.gov.om Working hours: 8 am to 5 pm (+3 hours GMT) Ramadan hours: 9 am to 2 pm

Intellectual Property
Patents The law on patents issued in 2000 establishes a facility for the registration and protection of patents. Patents may be registered for a term of 20 years Trademarks Trademarks law was revised in 2008. Local and foreign companies may apply to the Department of Trademarks for protection. Trademarks are protected for 10 year renewable periods. Copyrights Penalties are imposed for breach of law protecting original works on copyrights issued by Royal Decree in 2008. Exchange Controls Oman imposes no foreign exchange controls and no other restrictions on the repatriation of profits or capital by foreign investors.

Selling & Communication

Advertising Advertising is permitted in the press and on television. British exporters are advised to consult their advertising agents before embarking on an advertising campaign. There are several advertising agencies in Muscat. Apart from four English dailies - Oman Daily Observer, Times of Oman, Muscat Daily and the Oman Tribune - there is a growing number of economic and other publications in English. Sales Promotion Generally, price is the most important factor in promoting sales in Oman. Some firms have successfully offered special, low introductory prices on consumer products to gain a foothold in the market and develop customer awareness and loyalty. However, it is evident that product quality and after-sales service are also becoming important selling factors in the Omani market. Advertising and participation in sales promotions and other trade events is often helpful for raising consumer awareness and gaining market share, but effectiveness will vary according to product. Appointing an agent/distributor is recommended to aid in marketing and sales. The market is importorientated and a vendor culture prevails. Price quotations should be given in Omani Riyal (OMR), all charges paid including customs duty. Failing this, prices should at least be quoted in Omani Rial cost, insurance and freight (CIF). 10

Incoterms Exporters will find Incoterms 2000 a useful guide for specifying their obligations for delivering goods safely in international contracts. Incoterms provide guidance on the commonly used trade terms in international trade. You should read it if you are a member of a company's marketing or sales team. Internet/email Internet services have improved greatly in recent years and most state organisations now have websites and useful links. The private sector uses the internet and email extensively. Although in the early stage of development, the Government has an ambitious e-commerce programme. Telephone There are sophisticated telephone links between Muscat and the rest of the world. The IDD code for Oman is 00 968 followed by the subscriber's number. (No area code is required). Jurisdiction and Governing Law Omani law does not limit the choices of jurisdiction or governing law in contracts. The court holds the view that it has no objection on grounds of public policy or otherwise to a choice of a foreign law in preference to Omani law, provided that the parties to a case before it are able to bring evidence, and to agree upon that evidence, as to the chosen foreign law. However, a precedent has not been set in which the courts in Oman have applied a law other than the law of Oman. Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Oman has express reciprocal enforcement provisions which may be applied by the courts regarding foreign judgements or arbitral awards. These are subject to a number of conditions being fulfilled, including that both parties must have been correctly represented in the foreign court, that the judgement must not be contrary to Omani law, and that it must have been obtained in a jurisdiction in which Omani judgements or arbitral awards are enforceable. Oman is a signatory to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and has entered into a number of investment protection treaties with other states, including the UK and France. Contract Law The approach adopted by the Commercial Court is that parties to a contract, particularly a commercial contract, are free to arrange their own affairs, subject to mandatory legislative provisions. Hours of business Working hours are regulated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour in the case of the private sector and by the Diwan of Royal Court for the public sector. During the month of Ramadan, hours are liable to vary. Muslims in private companies are only expected to work a six-hour day or a 36 hour week during this period. Friday is the Muslim holy day, although the majority of shops remain open.

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Working Hours The Weekend in the Sultanate is Thursday and Friday Banks: Government: Private Sector: Sunday Thursday: 08:00 13:00 Saturday Wednesday: 07:30/08.00 14:00 Saturday Wednesday: 08:00 13:00 & 16:00 - 19:00/19:30 Thursday: 08:00 13:00 * Some of the large organisations have now reverted to working from 08.0018.00 straight through with an hour for lunch and taking a two day weekend. Shopping: Saturday Thursday: 10:00 13:00 & 16:00 20:00/21:00 * Some shops at Muscat City Centre remain open all day. Friday: Varies (Supermarkets are open all day from 07:30/09:00 22:00/00:00) ** However, during the Holy Month of Ramadan all shopping, Government and business hours vary British Embassy including the Commercial Section 07.30 AM -14.30 PM Saturday to Wednesday Tel: 00 968 24609002 Fax: 00 968 24609012 E: Ukti.Muscat@fco.gov.uk Passports/visas Passports are required by anyone entering Oman and must be valid for at least six months from arrival. Visas All British visitors to Oman require visas. Business people and tourists are able to apply for visas at Omani Embassies in their country. British citizens can buy a combined tourist/business single entry visa on arrival at all land, sea and air entry ports after completing and presenting a visa application form. You are advised to check visa requirements well in advance with the: Oman Embassy 167 Queen's Gate London, SW7 5HE Tel: 020 7225 0001

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WARNING: There has also been a warning published on the entry of prescription drugs into Oman. It is advisable that anyone entering Oman who needs to take prescription drugs should carry a copy of the prescription with them. Not to do so can be an offence punishable by a prison sentence if the drugs are on the banned list. (A list should be obtainable from the Ministry of Health, Oman through Oman Embassies and Trade Representation Offices). Health advice Mandatory: Vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever, if travelling from infected areas. Advisable: It is advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis, polio and tetanus. Anti-malaria precautions should be taken. Health Insurance It is essential to take out full medical insurance when visiting Oman, as there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Oman and the UK. Medical services Health facilities are good in Oman and there are small hospitals in all provincial centres. Healthcare is free for citizens but expensive for foreigners. Information on health hazards, and precautions to take when travelling abroad can be found in the leaflet 'Health advice for travelers available from main Post offices. Emergency services Fire and Emergencies: 999 Police: 2456 0099

4.

Business Etiquette, Language and Culture

Social customs It is discourteous to eat, drink or smoke in front of Muslims in daylight hours during Ramadan. It is polite to accept the refreshments customarily offered to visitors. Expatriate residents can obtain liquor licenses enabling them to buy alcohol from special shops. Alcohol is served in major hotels and some restaurants. Penalties for drunkenness in public can be quite severe. Clothing Men and women should dress conservatively in Oman. Women are advised to wear loose-fitting and concealing clothing with long skirts, elbow-length sleeves, and modest necklines. Suits should be worn at all business meetings. Men should wear trousers and shirt to work and in public (never shorts or shirtless). Swimwear should be worn only at hotel pools and on the beach. Women business travelers Oman is one of the easiest countries in the Gulf for women to travel in. However, women should still adhere to the customs of the region and avoid offence by showing as little flesh as possible, wearing loose cut clothing. Foreign women do not need to wear veils. Avoid eye contact with any males, unless they are business associates or you know them well. Generally the interior is more conservative than the coast, which means that an extra measure of tact is required.

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Additional information Hotels There are a number of very good international hotels. It is advisable to book hotel rooms, and in particular suites, in advance. Most large hotels have facilities for small displays or exhibitions, and smaller rooms may be rented as sample rooms. Visitors are advised to confirm prices when making reservations. Electricity Supply Oman uses 220/240 volt AC, with two or three pin round or three-pin flat plug fittings. Useful Websites www.businessdirectoryoman.com www.chamberoman.com www.mocioman.gov.om www.omanet.om www.omantourism.gov.om www.ociped.com www.pdo.co.om www.rop.gov.om www.tenderoman.com Business Directory Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ministry of Commerce & Industry Ministry of Information Ministry of Tourism Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export Development (PAIPED) Petroleum Development Oman Royal Oman Police Tender Board

5.

What are the challenges?

Labour Policy An important economic policy is Omanisation, the replacement of migrant workers with Omani nationals. The aim is to address the pressing need to provide work for the growing number of young Omanis, and prepare the country for the post-oil era. As more educated Omanis become available for employment, private companies are expected to achieve certain levels of Omanisation. The aim of Omanisation is to limit the Sultanates dependence on expatriate staff. Non-Omanis are not permitted to work in Oman unless clearance has been obtained from the Ministry of Manpower. Employers must employ Omanis wherever possible and different sectors of industry are given different Omanisation percentages which must be met. Failure to reach industry targets results in liability to pay fines. Terms of payment Most UK banks can provide advice on payment. Generally speaking, any of the customary methods of payment used in international commercial transactions can be used when doing business with Omani companies. Irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) and Cash Against Documents (CAD) terms are the most common methods of payment.

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Delivery Dates It is important that delivery dates are kept to. In the case of unforeseen delays, inform customers at the earliest possible opportunity, providing full details. Sea freight from the UK takes approximately 28 days, although this can vary. Possible delays, such as adverse weather conditions, should be taken into consideration when quoting dates. When calculating the delivery time also allow for about two weeks for port transfer of goods and customs clearance once the goods arrive in Oman. The main points for imports into Oman are at Mina Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and the Sohar Port. Salalah has a major container terminal but almost extensively for trans-shipment.

6.

How to Invest in Oman

Loans A wide range of credit facilities and financial services are provided to investors through a strong financial sector. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Oman Development Bank channel government funding to help the development of the economy, and offer soft loans to small scale industries and the service sector. (see PAIPED weblink above) Muscat Securities Market is the established and regulated stock market potential source for new capital for the private sector. More Financial Incentives Exemption from custom duty on import of plant equipment Relief from custom duty on raw materials for up to 10 years No personal income tax Corporate tax holiday of up to 10 years Full repatriation of capital, net profit and royalties Export credit insurance through the export guarantee and financing agency

The Omani Centre for Investment and Promotion of Export Development (OCIPED - www.ociped.org.) is a one stop shop set up by the Government to provide advice and assistance to investors. Representatives in the market To establish business in Oman a company needs to be represented locally by someone at the level of decision maker.

Contacts

If you have a specific export enquiry about Oman which is not answered by the information on this report, you may contact: UK Trade & Investment Enquiry Service Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 5000 Email: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk If you prefer to contact the team in Oman direct, contact: UK Trade &Investment BRITISH EMBASSY MUSCAT

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P O Box 285, Postal code 116, Sultanate of Oman Tel: 00 968 2460 9002 Fax: 00 968 2460 9012 Email ukti.muscat@co.gov.uk UK Trade & Investment can help you make the most of these opportunities and help you plan your approach to the market. You may find out more about the range of services available to UK companies trading internationally through your local International Trade Team. We hope that you have found this guide useful. For further information, please contact your International Trade Adviser or one of the UKTI team in Oman.

8.

Resources/Useful Links

Business Link: International Trade Business Links International Trade pages provide an overview of export basics including licensing, customs procedures, classifying and movement of goods, other regulatory information and export paperwork issues. It also introduces exporters to the UK Trade Tariff. Information: Country Essential reading for exporters! BBC Website: Find out more at: www.businesslink.gov.uk http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm

FCO Country Profile: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/country-profile/ Culture and communications: CILT National Centre for Languages - Regional Language Network in your area: http://www.cilt.org.uk/workplace/employer_support/in_your_area.aspx Kwintessential culture guides: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/ Customs & Regulations: HM Revenue & Customs: www.hmrc.gov.uk Import Controls and documentation (SITPRO): http://www.sitpro.org.uk Economic Information: Economist: http://www.economist.com/countries/ Export Control Export Control Organisation: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/exportcontrol

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Export Finance and Insurance: ECGD: http://www.ecgd.gov.uk/ Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Office: www.ipo.gov.uk Market Access Market Access Database for Tariffs (for non-EU markets only): http://mkaccdb.eu.int/mkaccdb2/indexPubli.htm SOLVIT Overcoming Trade Barriers (EU Markets only) www.bis.gov.uk/EUMarketAccessUnit Standard and Technical Regulations: British Standards Institution (BSI): http://www.bsigroup.com/en/sectorsandservices/Disciplines/ImportExport/ National Physical Laboratory: http://www.npl.co.uk/ Intellectual Property - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ Trade Statistics: National Statistics Information: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html UK Trade Info: https://www.uktradeinfo.co.uk/ Travel Advice: FCO Travel: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ NHS: http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/ Travel health: http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/

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