US Trade Officials Say Trade Pact With Oman Will Aid Exports

WASHINGTON --U.S. trade officials said Monday a trade pact with Oman will promote U.S. exports.

Under the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, which goes into effect Jan. 1, trade in consumer and industrial products will be duty-free. Trade officials said the liberalization will expand opportunities for exports of machinery, automobiles, optic and medical instruments, electrical machinery, and such agricultural products as vegetable oils, sugars, sweeteners and beverage bases.

"The U.S.-Oman [agreement] advances the president's vision for economic integration and development in the Middle East and holds important promise for the people of both Oman and the United States," U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said in a release Monday.

In 2006, President Bush signed the legislation implementing the agreement.

-By Jeff Bater, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9249; jeff.bater@dowjones.com