Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country, importance of relationships to finding a good partner, use of agents.
Last Published: 11/19/2018
  • An American company may wish to consider registering as a fully U.S.-owned company (as permitted by the FTA) in order to avoid profit-sharing and potential disputes with a local partner. However, a carefully chosen local partner can be very valuable in terms of gaining entry to local markets and dealing with local bureaucracies.   
  • An on-the-ground presence in Oman is an advantage.
  • Personal relationships are key to finding and retaining a good local partner.
  • Agents are commonly used, but not required.
  • Agreements generally require significant lead time and follow-up before finalization.
  • Omanis appreciate flexibility in contract negotiations; any concessions they make should be met with a concession on the American company’s side, regardless of that company’s size.
  • Government contracts often take many months, in some cases years, before they are awarded.
  • Importers must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which can be done online through the Invest Easy system, and be members of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Importers/distributors are most commonly used in the retail food business.
  • The U.S. Embassy Commercial Section can provide counseling, referrals, matchmaking, due diligence, and advocacy services.

U.S. companies seeking general export information, assistance, or country-specific commercial information should contact their nearest U.S. Export Assistance Center, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRADE (1-800-827-8723), or visit: Export.gov or Buy USA.
Agricultural reports are available via the Reports Office, USDA/FAS, Ag Box 1052, Washington, D.C. 20250-1052 and via the FAS Home Page on the Internet.

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