MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) expressed satisfaction over the government’s positive response to the private sector’s demands to amend some taxes and fees, and halt some decisions related to the private sector.
In a press statement, Said bin Saleh al Kiyumi, Chairman of OCCI Board, hailed the outcome of the fruitful coordination with the Council of Ministers and the quick response to the demands submitted by OCCI to the Council earlier about not levying any new taxes or fee on the private sector till assessing the current status.
He added that this will encourage and motivate the private sector to enhance its contribution to economic development in general and diversification in particular.
He also said that OCCI has recently completed a study on assessing the economic status of the Sultanate, and in particular the fee and taxes levied on the private sector as the study will be raised to the Council of Ministers.
Al Kiyumi said that the relationship between the private and public sectors should be based on real partnership so that each party can carry out its obligations and keep pace with current and future changes.
He noted that the Omani private sector is well aware of the current economic situation in the Sultanate and the region in general, as it will play a role in maintaining the efforts made by the government to achieve economic diversification and reduce the effects of oil price drop on economic development.
Meanwhile, the OCCI Economic Committee at a meeting stressed the importance of the agreement on the establishment of OCCI Chair at Sultan Qaboos University, which will contribute in the establishment of an information bank, economic and trade studies, research and analysis to benefit the private sector.
The committee discussed the plan to meet the organisers of the Expo 2020 which will be held in Dubai to identify opportunities which can benefit the Omani private sector.
It also discussed preparations for organising a seminar on ‘GCC economies after the oil age,’ which will be organised in cooperation with the GCC Secretariat General and the Federation of GCC Chambers in Muscat on May 24. — ONA
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