AMAN UNION · Aman Union guests can choose one of two Excursion Options: 13 Country Oman Geography Oman is a tranquil state strategically located in the southeastern corner of the

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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&regionCode=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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