The WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) was launched in 2010. It aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the trading system among academics and policy makers in developing countries through curriculum development, research and outreach activities by universities and research institutions.

Madayn Research Chair for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free zones is a joint project between Sultan Qaboos University and Madayn. Due to the rapid evolution of the business environment that has occurred in the sultanate and the great strides local education institutions have made in exploring issues impacting upon people’s lives, active collaboration between industry and the academia is increasingly vital for the country’s continued social and economic development.