Embassy News and Events

London Conference Promotes Middle East Trade

On Thursday, March 29, the U.S. Department of State presented a one day conference to raise awareness of trade and investment opportunities in the Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA).  Ambassador Gary Grappo traveled to London to speak at the event; he was joined by Dr. Salem bin Nasser al-Ismaily, Executive President of the Omani Center for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED). 

Also in attendance were the U.S. ambassadors and local officials from Morocco, Jordan, and Bahrain, as well as dozens of representatives of U.S. and international businesses and others interested in the economic benefits presented by U.S. Free Trade Agreements in the region.

Speaking at the conference, Ambassador Grappo said, "Oman and the United States have enjoyed a very long, close and mutually beneficial relationship as trade and diplomatic partners," adding "We are opening a new chapter in our relationship with the impending implementation of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA)." 

Text of the Ambassador’s Remarks