MUSCAT: A decade-long effort by the Omani government to kickstart the growth of a new national economy around creative and cultural industries is now set to enter a key phase.
That effort is currently being spearheaded by the National Programme for Investment and Exports Development (Nazdaher), part of an array of national initiatives launched by the government as part of the 10th Five-Year Development Plan aimed at achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Recently, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, which implements the Nazdaher programme, floated a competitive tender for the appointment of a consultancy firm to help formulate a strategy to help drive investment into a new Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) sector.
Globally, Creative and Cultural Industries broadly encompass everything from books, newspapers and magazines to music, performing arts, TV, film and radio, as well as video games, visual arts, architecture, advertising. In the Sultanate of Oman, and the wider Gulf region, it could also include the performing arts, traditional architecture and heritage goods, among other arts.
Significantly, the definition and scope of the new sector is a key part of the selected consultant’s brief. Additionally, the consultant will draft guidelines for the development of investment projects, opportunities, enablers and governance of the CCI sector in Oman. Furthermore, the advisory firm is required to work with stakeholder agencies in highlighting Oman’s competitive advantages in the positioning of a future CCI sector on the regional and international stages.
Also as part of its remit, the consultant will help with the organization of a workshop where its key findings will be presented – effectively laying the groundwork for the launch of a new sector around Creative and Cultural Industries.
Fledgling moves to ignite the growth of a CCI sector in Oman date back to 2013 when a first-ever symposium was held on the theme, ‘The Role of Policies and Strategies in the Development of Crafts, Arts and Creative Industries in Oman’.
The forum highlighted the importance of factoring in the creative economy while planning cities and investing in infrastructure. Further, it focused on the ways, mechanisms and significance of developing creative industries, especially SMEs, and nurturing Omani talents in the creative sector.
Last year, it received further impetus when it was added to the Nazdahar’s dashboard of enabling initiatives and investment opportunities.
Earlier this year, a report by the EU-GCC Dialogue on Economic Diversification Project, an initiative funded of the European Union, underscored the potential for Creative and Cultural Industries in contributing to Oman’s economic diversification. The report also stressed that cultural and creative sectors are important for ensuring the continued development of societies and are at the heart of the creative economy.
Knowledge-intensive and based on individual creativity and talent, they generate considerable economic wealth. They also contribute to above-average growth and create jobs, particularly for young people, and are critical to a shared sense of identity, culture, and values in every country, the report noted.
In the European Union, for example, the creative economy’s contribution to the Union’s GDP was estimated at 4.2 per cent in 2014, with 7 million people employed in this diverse industry.
“Considering the government’s consistent focus on development driven by sustainability, technology and innovation, and availability of a promising pool of young creative talents, Oman can hit the road to unprecedented growth if it strategically brings up its creative industry,” the EU report said.
“More importantly, the country can very well aspire to establish itself as a regional hub for the creative industry,” it added.
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