Joint Committee Meeting on Oman-US Free Trade Agreement Convenes

Muscat, 24 Apr (ONA) --- The Joint Committee of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States of America held a meeting today at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion to discuss matters related to the signed FTA.

The Omani side was chaired by Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, while the U.S. side was led by Ana Escrogima, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Sultanate of Oman.

The meeting addressed key aspects of the FTA, including technical implementation, market access for goods, customs-related matters and environmental cooperation.

In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation noted that this meeting—held after a 10-year interval—is within the framework of the strategic dialogue between Oman and the United States. He emphasized that discussions took place amid rapid global trade shifts, particularly regarding the impact of the 10% tariff imposed on Omani exports to the U.S., reaffirming dialogue as the optimal means to resolve disputes, if any.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Oman told ONA that the meeting brought together specialists and experts to review all agreement-related matters, describing it as a pivotal opportunity to advance shared economic ambitions and deliver lasting value for both nations.

Khalid Said Al Shaibani, Head of the National Program for Investment and Export Development "Nazdaher," highlighted the meeting's significance in addressing matters such as recently imposed global tariffs, anti-dumping measures, subsidies, tariffs on aluminum and steel, and future private-sector participation in U.S.-hosted events.

---Ends/AG