The advanced countries of the world have marched much ahead economically and are able to innovate and manufacture their products. Developing countries is also defined as low standard living and have backward industrial database that is low in the Human Developing Index.
The question which often comes to my mind is what about us in the Gulf region which considers itself rich in oil and gas. The region also distinguishes with individual income.
Last week, I met with some industrialists who attended the annual gathering with the Commerce and Industry Minister.
We discussed in general about the industry sector in the Sultanate. A pertinent question raised by a journalist was why the country was still being classified as a ‘developing country.’
When I asked them about the industry sector in Oman, they thanked the government efforts to develop and support this important sector considered as one of main contributors to GDP.
According to Tanfeedh lab, the important field categorises as one of the main supporters to national economy. We realise that there is a challenge for the ministry to recognise the existing gap between the two partners.
The government has built a good infrastructure including industrial estates in different regions and established financing funds, logistics sector, ports and airports.
However, we wonder that even after four decades of Renaissance, we have not reached an upper level in this field.
The issue is why are we still not being classified as a developed country much like others.
The Gulf countries generally and the Sultanate specifically have the capability to become so.
However, though the government provides a number of services to set up industries and other infrastructure. Why is it that we are not able to have Omanis occupying top positions? Why are the CEOs, the general managers and top management positions still being occupied by the expatriates?
We depend solely on the expatriates to be consultants and to work among the top management positions but are not able to reach our goals.
Our vision is much supported by His Majesty who had instructed us to develop the sector and earmarking February 9 as Industry Day.
Technology advancement is not limited to developed countries, but there are many developing nations like Singapore, Malaysia, India and Turkey who develop their own resources and has become major exporters in the world. Thanks to their well-planned vision which enables them to advance in the sector.
It is time we plan to attract industries or companies to build their establishments in Oman so as to provide jobs to the unemployed.
For instance, Oman’s garment sector can be further expanded as Omani turbans, caps and dishdashas all are imported now.
Some people say the imported costs less than the production cost. But after long-term these factories will help the Omani economy and provide thousands of job vacancies for locals.
Few years back there was an effort to open a factory for automotive parts. However, nothing has been heard in this regard so far.
Do we have an attractive climate for investment or are we under any bureaucracy procedures?
We need to change our economic policy and establish an attractive environment for investment.
This is very much an important issue that needs the attention of all.
baderalkiyumi@hotmail.com
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