Schröder Looks at Tech Ties with Oman

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder Friday explored ways to boost cooperation in technology, energy and tourism with the Gulf state of Oman, including the possibility of setting up an institute of technology in the Sultanate. At a meeting with Omani businessmen during his visit to the capital, Muscat, Schröder raised the possibility "of cooperation with German firms in the technological field," the official news agency ONA said. Schröder, on the penultimate stage of a seven-nation tour of the region, said the two countries wanted to strengthen cooperation in the information sector" and spoke of the "possibility of setting up a technological institute" in Oman, a project being discussed by the delegation accompanying him. He also raised possible cooperation between Germany and Oman in solar energy and oil and gas-related industries and tourism. However, according to Omani authorities, the Sultanate does not want to open up to mass tourism because of the sensibilities of the Omani people.