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AMAN UNION 6
TH ANNUAL MEETING
7TH
– 9TH
DECEMBER 2015
MUSCAT - OMAN
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Table of Contents
Invitation......... .. .... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. .... ... ... .. ... ... ... 3
Welcome Note by ECGA....... ... .. .. .... ... ... .. ... ... ... . 4
Logo Rationale ....... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. .... ... ... .. ... ... ... 5
Agenda………………………………………………… 6
Visa Information…………………………………….. 7
Meeting Venues…………………………………… . .. . 8
Accommodation……………………………………… 10
Excursion……………………………………………… 12
Country Information in Brief……………………… 13
Delegate Information in Brief……………………... 14
AMAN UNION 6
TH ANNUAL MEETING
7TH
– 9TH
DECEMBER
MUSCAT - OMAN
Organized and hosted by:
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Invitation
Dear Aman Union Members and Guests,
It is my great honor and pleasure to invite you all to attend the
6th Annual Meeting of Aman Union. This year’s meeting will be
hosted by the ECGA of Oman at the InterContinental Hotel in
Muscat from 7th to 9th December 2015.
The Meeting will address topics of common interests and serve
as a great opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise in
the industry. It will also mark a significant milestone in the
development of Aman Union with the establishment of a
dedicated Secretariat.
We have prepared an agenda filled with a complete schedule of
events. Relevant documents and information are attached.
I look forward to meeting you in Muscat and wish you have a
pleasant and enjoyable stay.
Sincerely yours,
Fahad R. Al Ibrahim
The Secretary General
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Welcome Note by ECGA
EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE AGENCY OF OMAN SAOC
" ECGA OF OMAN "
ECGA of Oman commenced its export credit guarantee and
financing activities in November 1991 with the purpose of
servicing Omani exporters. ECGA operates as a national export
credit agency of the Sultanate of Oman. It is an independent
legal entity and is a closely held company owned by the Omani
Government.
The Agency provides exporters with a range of facilities, which
include Export Credit Insurance, Domestic Credit Insurance,
Post-Shipment and Pre-Shipment Financing.
ECGA of Oman is one of the founding members of Aman Union,
as well as a member of the Aman Union Database Center.
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Logo Rationale
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
14:00-18:00 Hospitality Desk in Service: Registration
Monday, December 7, 2015
08:30-16:30 Excursion Hospitality Desk in Service
18:00-19:30 Database Subscribers Meeting, at Bahla Nizwa Hall (Lower ground Floor)
19:30-20:30 11th Executive Council Meeting, at Bahla Nizwa Hall (Lower ground Floor)
20:30-21:30 Welcome Reception, at Señor Pico (Lower Ground Floor)
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
08:00-18:00 - Hospitality Desk in Service
08:45 09:00-10:30
- Recitation from the Holy Qur’an Opening session - 09:00 Welcome address by Mr. Fahad R. Al Ibrahim, Secretary General of AMAN UNION - 09:15 Welcome address by H.E. Said bin Saleh Al-Kiyumi, Chairman of the board of ECGA. - 09:30 International Keynote: “An Overview of the Economy and Business Prospects” Presented by Rob Nijhout, Executive Director of International Credit Insurance & Surety Association (ICISA). - 09:50 Government Keynote: “The Impact of the Slump in Oil Prices for GCC in General and Oman in Particular” Presented by Dr. Hatem Al Shanfari, Member of Board of Governors of Central Bank of Oman.
10:30-11:00 - Coffee break & Press conference
11:00-12:30 First session Moderator: Fahad R. Al Ibrahim, The Secretary General of AMAN UNION 1- Developments in ECAs activities/Roundtable: Developments in products, systems or
organization in 2015 and business expectations for 2016. 2- Performance of Member ECAs: Presentation by the Secretariat General followed by Q&A.
12:30-14:00 Lunch hosted by ECGA - at the Garden Area of the InterContinental Hotel
14:00-14:45 14:45-15:30
Second session 1- “Navigating a True Global Bazaar: What Does the Country Risk Compass Tell Us ” Presented by
Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist and Director for Economic research, Euler Hermes. Open discussion. Moderator: Karim Nasrallah, General Manager of the Lebanese Credit Insurer (LCI).
2- “Insuring trade default risk awareness in the market, how can insurers increase consciousness about this sensitive topic?” Presented by Massimo Falcioni, Head of Coface Middle East Countries -Open discussion. Moderator: Mr. Alaa Gouda, General Manager of the Export Credit Guarantee Company of Egypt (ECGE).
15:30-16:00 Coffee break
16:00-16:45 16:45-17:30
Third session: 1- “The Role of Risk Management in ECAs”- Panel discussion,
Moderator: Mr. Mahan Bolourchi, CEO, Euler Hermes GCC.
Panelists: To be determined
2- “Managing Policyholder Engagement into the Recovery Process”, Presented by Ahmed Madkour, Recovery Advisers - Open discussion. Moderator: Mr. Bahman Mennati, Director of Claims Department, EGFI.
20:00 Gala dinner hosted by ECGA, at Al Bustan Palace - Ritz Carlton Hotel
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
08:30-18:00 Hospitality Desk in Service
09:00-10:00
Fourth session : “Risk Appetite for MENA Region Markets: Credit & PRI Trends in 2015”, Presented by Toby Heppel, RFIB Group. Moderator: Mr. Khemais Al Gazzah, Director of Insurance Operations, ICIEC.
10:00-10:30 Group Photo. Coffee break
10:30-13:00
General Assembly of AMAN UNION – Chairman: H.E. Said bin Saleh Al-Kiyumi, Chairman of the board of ECGA.
1. The Secretariat General Report on Activity in 2015 2. The 2014 Financial Report (Audited) 3. The 2015 Budget Utilization 4. Budget and Business Plan of the year 2016 5. Establishment of a Dedicated Secretariat General 6. Amendment of the Aman Union Charter 7. Election of Secretary General 8. Database Progress Report 9. Increasing the number of Executive Council Members 10. Election of the Members of the Executive Council 11. Upgrading of KazExportGarant from Associate Member to Full Member 12. Date and Venue of the 2016 Annual Meeting 13. Acceptance of New Members
13:00-15:00 Lunch hosted by ECGA - at the Garden Area of the InterContinental Hotel
AMAN UNION 6th ANNUAL MEETING
InterContinental Hotel, Muscat 7-8-9 December 2015
Hosted by ECGA of Oman
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Visa Information
With the exception of GCC nationals, entry visa is required to Oman for
all nationalities. These can be obtained as per the following categories:
a) The following countries visas are issued upon arrival (you have to apply
as Tourist Visa)
Andorra-Czech Rep.- Iceland-Malta - San Marino- Austria- Denmark-
Ireland-Moldova-Slovakia -Belgium -Estonia -Italy-Monaco -Slovenia-
Bosnia & Herzegovina- Finland -Latvia–Netherlands- Spain-Britain-
France-Liechtenstein–Norway-Sweden–Bulgaria-Germany–Lithuania-
Poland-Switzerland-Croatia–Greece-Luxembourg-Portugal-Turkey-
Cyprus-Hungary-Macedon-Rumania-Vatican-Argentina-Chile-French-
Guiana-Suriname-Bolivia-Colombia-Paraguay-Uruguay-Brazil-
Ecuador-Peru-Venezuela-Australia-Japan-Singapore-Tunis -Brunei Dar
al-Salam-Lebanon-South Africa-United States-Canada-Malaysia-South
Korea-Hong Kong-New Zealand-Taiwan-Indonesia-south Seychelles-
Thailand.
b) For any other countries not mentioned above, the Visa is required and
can be obtained from all Omani missions abroad, after verification of the
supporting documents. For more information visit web-site
www.rop.gov.om.
The validity of the passport should not be less than 6 month from the
application date and fees: OMAN RIALS 20.000 or its equivalent US$
52.00.
If you require any assistance for visa such as an invitation letter, please
contact Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman to attention of:
Mr. Ahmed Al-Abdali,
E-mail ([email protected])
Mrs. Shamsa Al-Rabei,
E-mail ([email protected])
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Meeting Venues
The meeting will take place at the InterContinental Hotel in Muscat, a five-
star resort set on 35 acres of lush palm gardens between the Hajjar Mountains
and the sands of the Gulf Coast. The hotel is strategically located in the heart
of the city's residential, government and diplomatic quarter. Nearby sites of
interest include the Royal Opera House (10 minute walk).
For more information you can visit:
http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/muscat/mscha/hoteldetail.
Database Meeting (7th December) Bahla Nizwa (Lower ground Floor).
Executive Council Meeting (7th December) Bahla Nizwa (Lower ground
Floor).
Welcome Reception (7th December) Señor Pico (Lower Ground Floor).
Annual Meeting (8th and 9th December) Nizwa Hall.
Gala Dinner (8th December), Omani night theme at Al Bustan Palace -
Ritz Carlton Hotel. (ECGA of Oman will arrange for transportation from
Intercontinental Hotel to Al Bustan Palace).
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InterContinental Hotel
MUSCAT
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Hotel Room Type Rates Deadline for booking Reservation Link/ Website Booking Instructions
InterContinental Hotel Muscat
Single Standard Room OMR 110.000 per room/night +17% tax
20th November 2015
http://www.intercontinental.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=ic&localeCode=en®ionCode=925&hotelCode=
MSCHA&_PMID=99801505&GPC=EGA
1. Click on the link
Double Standard Room OMR 115.000 per room/night +17% tax 2. Click on the box ( Book Now )
Single Club Room OMR 120.000 per room/night +17% tax 3. Enter the dates of the group arrival and departure
Double Club Room OMR 125.000 per room/night +17% tax
4. ECGA Rates will display for the booking as per room category starting from 6 December, 2015
Ramada Muscat
Single Standard Room for 1 person
OMR 56.000 (prices are inclusive of breakfast, taxes, and complimentary internet)
20th November 2015 www.ramadamuscat.com
Ms. Sundus Khan: [email protected] Booking Code: ECGA
Single Standard Room for 2 persons
OMR 60.000 (prices are inclusive of breakfast, taxes, and complimentary internet)
Beach Hotel
Standard Double/Twin OMR 45.000 + 17% tax including
breakfast
20th November 2015 www.beachhotelmuscat.com
Ms. Atika Al Siyabi: [email protected] Booking Code: ECGA
1 Bedroom Apartment OMR 55.000 + 17% tax including
breakfast
2 Bedroom Apartment OMR 70.000 +17% tax including
breakfast
Accommodation
The Guests of Aman Union will benefit from discounted rates negotiated by ECGA of Oman with 3 reputable hotels within the same vicinity:
TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL & OTHER SERVICES
Taxicabs are easiest way to commute from and to Muscat International Airport. The maximum for the ride to Intercontinental Muscat Hotel is Riyal Omani 10/- and it takes 20 minutes. There is an
Exchange Bank at the airport to obtain local currency. There is also optional transfer that can be used from hotel to the airport that is provided by the Intercontinental Muscat Hotel as indicated in
the hotel reservation. Cars are available on rental basis at the airport. There is also Oman Mobile and Nawras for prepaid telephone cards available at the airport.
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Bidiyah (Ash Sharqiyah, Oman)
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Option 1
8:00 AM Departure from InterContinental Hotel to Nakhal Fort
10:00 AM Guided Tour in Nakhal Fort for two hours
12:00PM -Lunch
-Entertainment by a traditional Omani Band
14:30 PM Departure from Nakhal Fort
16:30 PM Arrival at Hotel
Option 2
8:00 AM Departure from InterContinental Hotel to Bediyah
10:30 AM Departure from Bidiyah to camp site by 4x4 vehicles
-Dune Bashing
-Camel Ride
-Traditional Bedouin coffee and bread demonstration
-Live Bedouin band
12:30 PM Lunch
14:00PM Departure from Bidiyah
16:30 PM Arrival at Hotel
Transportation in luxury bus
English speaking guide
Setup buffet lunch in option 1 and 2
Snack box will include (two light refreshment)
Water, hot and cold beverages will be available in the bus all the time
Excursion
Date: Monday, December 7th 2015
Time: 8:30 – 16:30
Aman Union guests can choose one of two Excursion Options:
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Country Oman
Geography Oman is a tranquil state strategically located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The Sultanate is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the west; Yemen on the south; the Strait of Hormuz which is separated from Oman proper by U.A.E on the north and the Arabian Sea on the east. It has 1,700 kilometers of coastline consisting of Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
National Flag
Area 309,500 sq. kms
Population 4,184,914
Capital & Main Cities
The capital city is Muscat. Other major towns include Sohar, Nizwa, Sur and Salalah.
Language The official language of Oman is Arabic, however English is widely spoken and understood by the business community
Religion Islam
Economy Overview
Oman is one of the countries among the fast growing economies in the world. The Sultanate has notable oil and gas resources. Others include petrochemical, light industries, fisheries and agricultural products such as dates and limes, and tourism. It enjoys a substantial trade surplus and low inflation as well as stable political, economy and social system. The government of Sultanate has taken concrete steps towards privatization and diversification of its economy as well as attracting foreign direct investments. Historically, Oman’s economy was based on agriculture and fisheries. The discovery of oil and subsequent exports, resulted in a shift to a petroleum based economy. The government’s strategy of diversifying and liberalizing the economy is reliant on attracting foreign direct investments into the country; the government therefore offers several attractive incentives and advantages to foreign investors to make the investment climate conducive and investor-friendly.
Climate At the time of Aman Union in December, the temperature is expected to range between 20°C to around 25°C
Time Zone UTC/GMT + 4 hours
Currency Omani Rial
Intl Code 00968
Electricity Voltage
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts. Primary power sockets used are “Type G”
Country Information
in Brief
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Tourist Information Oman has much to offer tourist – stunning and unspoiled landscapes, rich marine life,
beautiful sandy beaches, stable political climate, ancient culture, and most importantly,
genuinely hospitable people. For more information you can visit the web-site www.omantourism.gov.om
Shopping Hours 8.00 am to 1.00 pm
5.00 pm to 11.00 pm, except Muttrah Market which
closes at 10.00 pm
Banks 8.00 am to 2.00 pm
Museums 8.00 am to 1.00 pm, except Fridays and Official
Holidays
24 Hours Hospital and
Policlinic
1. Kims Oman Hospital Tele. No. 24760123
2. Muscat Private Hospital Tele. No. 24592600
3. Badr Al-Sama Clinic Tele. No. 24799760
Delegate Information
Date 7-9 December 2015
Place Muscat, Oman
Host
Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman (ECGA)
Venue & Accommodation The InterContinental Muscat
Aman Union Contacts
Ms. Maram Tubaileh
Office Direct: +965 24959521
Mobile: +965 66994540
Email: [email protected]
ECGA contacts
Mrs. Sheikha Al Marhoobi
Office Direct: +968 24346623
Email: [email protected]
Other Information
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