OEA seminar highlights role of cooperative societies in Oman

FAISAL AL AJMI
MUSCAT, OCT 22
The 28th Economic Council seminar was conducted by the Oman Economic Association (OEA) on October 21, 2025, with deliberations focusing on the topic, 'Cooperative Societies: Reality and Aspirations'. The seminar was held at Omantel headquarters, under the auspices of Dr Nasser bin Rashid al Maawali, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and was attended by prominent scholars, economists and media professionals.
Also taking part were Mohammed bin Hasan al Ansi, Majlis Ash'shura representative of the Wilayat of Salalah; Nasrah bint Sultan al Habsiyah, Director General of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; and Naji bin Darb Ghashm al Shaqri, former General Manager at Spinneys and current entrepreneur.
Dr Khalid bin Said al Amri, Chairman of the Oman Economic Association, spoke about the global impact of cooperatives. 'From humble origins in 18th-century England with the Rochdale Pioneers, today there are some three million cooperatives around the world with over a billion members. 300 of the world's biggest cooperatives have $2.2 trillion in sales and provide over 100 million jobs, making them larger than many multinational corporations'.
Dr Al Amri emphasised that cooperatives are not only an economic force but also a social one, offering opportunities to local communities while promoting global economic stability.
'Consumer cooperatives are a strong pillar in supporting the national economy', said Abdullah bin Mohammed al Abri, member of the Oman Economic Association. 'They greatly contribute to local value addition and also provide several local producers with an outlet to present their products on a larger scale. Beyond their contribution to the economy, such cooperatives are people-owned initiatives — initiated by the people and for the people — which ensures that the spent money is kept within the nation, contributing further to local growth'.
Asked about challenges surrounding the establishment of such cooperatives, Al Abri noted: 'Challenges will always exist; Although there is a legal framework, it does not necessarily offer sufficient advantage or benefit to consumer cooperatives. Preferential treatment is one of their most important needs to be able to develop and compete'.
Another crucial dimension is that of governance — since they are community-based organisations, having clearly structured decision-making frameworks, return on investment and management accountability is of crucial importance. Without a strong and transparent system, these cooperatives will be unable to sustain themselves and develop successfully.
'Consumer cooperatives play an important part in strengthening the national economy', said Mohammed bin Hasan al Ansi, Majlis Ash'shura representative from Salalah. 'They stabilise prices during times of crisis, benefit local producers and small-scale enterprises and retain economic value within the community'.
'Through empowering the citizens as consumers and shareholders, cooperatives create jobs and reduce hidden trade; and they promote sustainable local development', Al Ansi added.
'Today's panel session introduces the executive regulation governing consumer cooperatives, published in 2023', said Nasrah bint Sultan al Habsiyah, Director General of Commerce. 'The regulation outlines the manner of procedure and terms for obtaining a licence, the cooperatives' obligations and the mechanism of member participation, requiring that any contribution of a partner must be between 5% and a maximum of 25%'.
Al Habsi explained that the regulation also sets the incentives and facilities provided to consumer cooperatives, as well as the supervisory and regulatory requirements for making them operate effectively and transparently.