SALALAH: The Omani Arab Investment Forum was inaugurated at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment on Sunday under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
The two-day forum, organised by a number of government and private sector agencies, discusses the prospects of enhancing investment and economic cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab countries.
It will also review investment opportunities available to Arab investors and business owners, as well as the legislation, laws and facilities granted to investors in Oman.
The forum also highlights the investment environment in Oman and the promising sectors targeted according to Oman Vision 2040, including manufacturing industries, agricultural and fisheries, logistics, education, scientific research and innovation, in order to achieve effective partnerships between Omani and Arab business owners.
Eng Awadh bin Saeed Khawar al Katheeri, Chairman of the Organising Committee, delivered a speech in which he referred to the efforts of Oman to promote and encourage investment and economic diversification with the aim of stimulating investment and increasing its contribution to the economic cycle, stressing the importance of the forum in building investment and economic cooperation links between Omani businessmen and their Arab counterparts.
Taking part in a panel discussion, Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghasani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, highlighted the various investment opportunities in the governorate. He also shared detailed about the growth in the number of visitors and spending levels during the khareef season of Dhofar for the period from 2021 to 2023, the investment incentives and the available facilities, and opportunities in the sectors of food security, mining, renewable energy and tourism.
A second panel discussion featured presentations on investment opportunities by Dr Siham bint Ahmed al Harthy, OCCI Board Member, and Eng Ammar bin Sulaiman al Kharousi, CEO of the Invest Oman.
An accompanying exhibition was held on the sidelines of the forum to introduce the most important real estate, commercial, banking and industrial fields and the services provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Municipality of Dhofar, Salalah Free Zone and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn).
In exclusive remarks to the Observer, Dr Siham al Harthi, OCCI Board Member, said her presentation discussed efforts made to address issues related to procedures, study laws, regulations, and legislation pertinent to investors, and explore opportunities that can be presented either to delegations or individually.
“Returning to the chamber for insights on the best investments in Oman, I also discussed the work of the 18 committees aimed at enhancing investment and expanding horizons for investors, whether from Oman or abroad. These committees facilitate the networking of companies, both local and international.
For instance, last year in Dhofar, there was a business forum with Yemeni businessmen and other similar events,” she said.
The sectoral committees of the Chamber also significantly contribute to enhancing the business environment in Oman by representing the interests of various economic sectors, providing policy- making recommendations, and participating in the implementation of strategic projects. “These committees cover 18 economic sectors and have organized 486 diverse activities to promote cooperation among companies operating in the Sultanate,” Al Harthi stated.
Additionally, the Chamber has established the Center for Economic Studies and Research to provide economic analyses that support decision-making. “A study on the competitiveness of the business environment was also conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses and propose necessary recommendations for improvement. The Chamber strives to continue developing its tools and programs to enhance the role of the private sector in achieving Oman Vision 2040,” she added.
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