Seen in the picture is Mr. Ahmed bin Hassan al-Dheeb, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Sultanate of Oman along with Mr. Hassan Ramadhan Suleiman, Director General, Oman International Exhibition Centre L.L.C. (OIEC), Akavut Tangsilikusonwong, Managing Director, VEGA Intertrade and Exhibitions L.L.C and other members from the Exhibition management.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Akavut Tangsilikusonwong, Managing Director - Vega intertrade and exhibition LLC, The New Jeweller UAE bureau got an insight on the importance of MIJEX jewellery show to be organised in Muscat and the important role played by Vega Inter Exhibitions LLC for the success of the same. Excerpts:

Tell us something about the growing jewellery sector of Oman and how has it evolved with time?

Omani Market, is a rising industry in terms of jewellery, there is a continues demand in the market that has prompted investors to grab the opportunity in the growing economy of the Sultanate. Jewellery has taken a new form of investment for the Omani people as well as the expats. Through the success of MIJEX, Omani people have now understood the great value of investing in the jewellery and we have determined the growth of the expat conviction about the show as well. As Value Added tax [VAT] in Oman is not yet implemented the jewellery prices are 5% cheaper than other neighbouring economies and thus there is always a demand witnessed to buy jewellery.

MIJEX is a very successful exhibition in Oman and is also the only international jewellery show in Muscat that is now being organized by Vega intertrade and exhibition LLC completely. Please let us know about the success of the exhibition last year?

Yes, MIJEX is the only International Jewellery Show in Muscat, each year the show is successful with the continued support of the Oman International Exhibition Centre S.A.O.C (OIEC). With our joint venture with them, we organize different shows annually and have set up our office in Oman, and they have also set up their office in Dubai and Thailand. And through the hard work of the Vega Team, we have gained a very good reputation to our shows. The Impact of the success is one of our exhibitors already has opened two branches in Oman, expanding their market value and branding, that in itself is proof how Oman market is evolving and what MIJEX success has brought up in the market.

What are the plans for the exhibition to be organized this year in Muscat?

This year will be bigger and dazzling considering the "new" Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre's International standard and the state of art new Airport . This year we will offer our visitors, consumers, buyers, wholesalers and traders:

• Excellent offers with the highquality products.

• Effective Marketing Campaign promoting the show in all main cities in Oman and other neighbouring countries like Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, India, other Asian countries and Europe.

• A parade of International Companies joining our show.

• And with the newest infrastructures in Oman, like hotels, new venue, airport , free zone authority and others drive the jewellery investment to upsurge.

Please tell us why should more jewellery companies from other countries participate in this year's exhibition in Muscat?

The Oman infrastructure development and innovative international standard offers substantial project opportunities for investors. This year the number of our international exhibitors (companies) increases, as well as the Qatari market placed their interest in this show. We believe that no one wanted to miss this opportunity, as Oman embarked on an investment drive that is creating a diversified, private-sector driven economy, and establishing the country as a major tourism destination and a strategic logistic hub for the region.

More info at www.omanjewelleryshow.com