NEWS
Oman expected to see
significant increase in
online sales
Cisco puts
smart cities
under the
spotlight
C
isco is working in Oman to develop
smarter and more securely connected
cities. The company, lead sponsor of COMEX
2018, has shared its expertise demonstrating
how organisations and businesses can
unlock the value of data with Cisco IoT.
Cisco is supporting Oman’s efforts to
transition to a knowledge-based economy in
line with economic Vision 2020 and Vision
2040 and has taken part in knowledge
sharing sessions on digital transformation
and smart city innovations at the niche
technology event.
“As part of its Vision 2020, the Omani
government is working towards a sustainable
and diversified economy, with a focus
on driving digital initiatives that improve
quality of life, citizen services and business
outcomes,” said Ali Al Lawati, General
Manager, Oman, Cisco Middle East.
“The Information Technology Authority (ITA)
is developing a 2030 strategy to help plan
smart cities. At Cisco, we have extensive
expertise in developing smarter and more
securely connected cities.”
B acceptance of online shopping as a
driver of increasing sales.
This is according to a MENA B2C
E-Commerce Market 2018 report which
tells of strong growth rates for online
retail sales in the region. Oman is one of the countries expected to
benefit from this trend and is expected to
make progress catching up with UAE and
Saudi Arabia, which are the top two B2C
e-commerce markets in the MENA area.
y 2020 Oman is expected to see
nearly four times its 2015 level of
online sales.
Most countries in the Middle East and
North Africa region have lagged behind
the global average in share of total retail
attributed to e-commerce, suggesting
large potential for growth in the near
future for countries such as Oman.
The report cites forecasts of increasing
Internet connectivity, particularly
through smartphones, and broader
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INTELLIGENTCIO
He added that the company would help
the country realise its smart city ambitions
and help it accelerate towards a technology
empowered society.
At COMEX 2018, Cisco showcased its
intent-based networking platform as well as
its Digital Network Architecture Centre and
enterprise networking and security solutions.
Several factors can contribute to
online retail sales growth. For instance,
Governmental administrative action can
pave the way for B2C e-commerce.
For instance, Egypt’s government has
adopted a national strategy with the
objective of doubling the number of
online merchants and expects to see
double digit growth rates through 2020.
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