Oman advances e-commerce plan with 21 completed initiatives
Published: 04:12 PM,Dec 07,2024 | EDITED : 08:12 PM,Dec 07,2024
The completed initiatives enhance Oman’s position as a regional e-commerce hub.
MUSCAT: Oman’s National E-Commerce Plan has achieved significant progress, with 21 out of 30 initiatives completed, representing a 70% completion rate as of November 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP). This marks a notable increase from the 14 initiatives completed by the end of 2023.
Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP, highlighted that these initiatives have strengthened the e-commerce sector. The number of e-commerce licenses rose to 5,890, while 100 online stores have been registered through the 'Maroof Oman' platform. 'The completed initiatives enhance Oman’s position as a regional e-commerce hub, boosting competitiveness and fostering economic growth,' she said.
Al Habsi also underscored the importance of Ministerial Resolution 499/2023, which established a regulatory framework for digital businesses, ensuring the rights of consumers and traders while reducing challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at MoCIIP, said the Ministry is committed to implementing the remaining initiatives in collaboration with various government entities. 'The plan addresses key challenges such as market regulation, business facilitation, and consumer awareness,' she noted.
Key initiatives include developing a trust mark for e-commerce companies, simplifying company registration, and regulating digital marketplaces. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has also launched technical platforms, commercial transaction portals, and private data centers.
Other notable contributions came from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which advanced Oman’s broadband network and reduced delivery service fees, while the Oman Investment Authority established logistics centers and e-commerce financing funds.
The Royal Oman Police introduced fair customs duties on e-commerce shipments, while the Consumer Protection Authority reviewed consumer laws. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Oman developed a supportive environment for digital payments.
Oman’s National E-Commerce Plan covers eight main pillars: e-commerce infrastructure, logistics services, business facilitation, digital payments, procurement processes, legal and regulatory frameworks, skills development, and market awareness.
MoCIIP worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and other partners to launch the plan in 2022. Since then, the program has been steadily transforming Oman into a key regional player in the global digital economy. — ONA
Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP, highlighted that these initiatives have strengthened the e-commerce sector. The number of e-commerce licenses rose to 5,890, while 100 online stores have been registered through the 'Maroof Oman' platform. 'The completed initiatives enhance Oman’s position as a regional e-commerce hub, boosting competitiveness and fostering economic growth,' she said.
Al Habsi also underscored the importance of Ministerial Resolution 499/2023, which established a regulatory framework for digital businesses, ensuring the rights of consumers and traders while reducing challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at MoCIIP, said the Ministry is committed to implementing the remaining initiatives in collaboration with various government entities. 'The plan addresses key challenges such as market regulation, business facilitation, and consumer awareness,' she noted.
Key initiatives include developing a trust mark for e-commerce companies, simplifying company registration, and regulating digital marketplaces. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has also launched technical platforms, commercial transaction portals, and private data centers.
Other notable contributions came from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which advanced Oman’s broadband network and reduced delivery service fees, while the Oman Investment Authority established logistics centers and e-commerce financing funds.
The Royal Oman Police introduced fair customs duties on e-commerce shipments, while the Consumer Protection Authority reviewed consumer laws. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Oman developed a supportive environment for digital payments.
Oman’s National E-Commerce Plan covers eight main pillars: e-commerce infrastructure, logistics services, business facilitation, digital payments, procurement processes, legal and regulatory frameworks, skills development, and market awareness.
MoCIIP worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and other partners to launch the plan in 2022. Since then, the program has been steadily transforming Oman into a key regional player in the global digital economy. — ONA