21
March
2016
|
11:56
Europe/London

Lord Mayor to promote economic links with Oman

The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Jeffrey Mountevans, is leading a business delegation to Oman (28 – 29 January 2016). The visit will focus on strengthening the UK’s relationship with Oman and ensure that London and the UK remain its partner of choice for financial and professional services.

The Lord Mayor, acting as ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services, will be meeting with senior members of the government and business leaders.

Speaking ahead of his trip, Lord Mayor Mountevans said:

“My goal on this visit is to reaffirm the UK’s excellent relationship with Oman and find ways for us to work more closely together. Our two countries share close links built up over decades, but as Oman’s importance in the Gulf and global economic stage continues to grow, there are many more opportunities for us to work with each other.

“In particular, the UK is well-placed to assist Oman diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons towards a more sustainable future; given British expertise and innovation in financing, planning and managing major infrastructure projects.

“We also recognize increased focus by the Omani government on supporting its young labour force, through targeted programmes, to develop critical skills for success in an increasingly competitive job market. There are a number of training agreements between the Omani government and UK business services, which I hope will be expanded in the future. The growing global market for financial and professional services – of which our countries are an important part – needs young people with specialist business knowledge, underpinned by strong values, and enriched by an international outlook.”

For further details please contact:

Susanna Lascelles

City of London Corporation Media Team

Tel: 020 7332 1754

Email: susanna.lascelles@cityoflondon.gov.uk

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Signs of the strong relationship between Oman and the UK:

  • Several British banks, law and accounting firms and smaller service organisations also operate successfully in Oman; 

  • UK is Oman’s biggest foreign investor;

  • 7,000 UK residents make up the largest Western expatriate segment.

Notes to editors

  • About the Lord Mayor of the City of London: The Lord Mayor is head of the Square Mile’s City of London authority for one year and the position is unpaid and apolitical. It is an exceptionally demanding role. The Lord Mayor spends some 90 days abroad and addresses some 10,000 people face-to-face each month (making around 800 speeches a year). The Lord Mayor represents City businesses and helps the City Corporation advise the Government of the day on what is needed to help the financial services sector to function well. The Lord Mayor frequently travels to represent the City; and travels overseas with the status of a Cabinet Minister. The Lord Mayor meets several international Heads of Government and Business each month to discuss financial services, often in conjunction with senior City business representatives. The Lord Mayor lives in the Mansion House for the Mayoral year.