MUSCAT: The National Office for Local Content at the General Secretariat of the Tender Board has introduced institutional excellence indicators to strengthen governance and performance monitoring. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Institutional Excellence Team at the Ministry of Labour, aims to establish a regulatory framework for assessing compliance with local content policies and identifying areas for improvement.
A key meeting with stakeholders is scheduled for Monday, February 10, where officials will review achievements and discuss the implementation of performance measurement mechanisms.
Ghaleb bin Amer al Hinai, Chairman of the National Local Content Office, emphasised the office’s commitment to advancing local content governance in line with directives from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. He highlighted ongoing efforts to issue legislation and automate local content processes through the Esnad electronic tendering platform, improving efficiency and transparency in government procurement.
The newly established indicators focus on three primary areas: government procurement, operational contracts, and development projects. These are further categorised into employment and training of Omani nationals, support for small enterprises and freelancers, and increased use of locally produced goods.
Al Hinai stressed the necessity for government agencies to integrate local content requirements into procurement plans and contracts, ensuring compliance with Financial Circular No. 5/2024. Financial and audit departments must verify adherence before approving payments.
To enhance oversight, local content performance will be monitored monthly, with results submitted to the National Office for Local Content. These assessments will contribute to institutional excellence ratings across government entities.
Al Hinai reiterated the office’s commitment to refining the local content framework in alignment with market trends and Oman’s development goals. This strategy aims to foster greater collaboration between government and private sectors, boosting economic sustainability and reinforcing Oman Vision 2040’s objectives for a diversified, knowledge-based economy. — ONA
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