MUSCAT, MARCH 9
The Shura convened its twelfth regular session of the third annual sitting for the tenth term (2023–2027) on Monday, chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash’shura. Members discussed various agenda items, including reports from the Council’s standing committees on agreements, proposals and draft laws referred by the government.
During the session, the draft amendment to certain provisions of the Mineral Wealth Law was sent to the State Council to complete its legislative cycle. The Economic and Financial Committee presented their views and observations on the draft, focusing on regulating mineral wealth exploitation and enhancing its management efficiency.
The session also involved reviewing and approving the Services and Public Utilities Committee's perspective on several international agreements, as outlined in Article 54 of the Council of Oman Law.
These agreements included a maritime transport cooperation agreement with the Russian Federation, as well as air services agreements with the Republic of Mali and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Furthermore, the agenda covered discussing and approving the themes for ministerial statements from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, as required by Article 69 of the Council of Oman Law.
The Council also reviewed and approved reports from the Economic and Financial Committee on two significant economic initiatives, comparing bank fees of local banks to those in GCC countries. The report suggested adjusting current banking fees and policies to balance the sustainability of the banking sector with protecting customers' interests.
Additionally, the Council endorsed a report supporting national industries, emphasising the industrial sector's crucial role in driving national economic transformation. The report focused on achieving sustainable growth, reducing reliance on imports, and enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products locally, regionally and internationally.
The Media, Tourism and Culture Committee presented a report advocating for the establishment of integrated service stations for motorhomes to promote overland and adventure tourism.
The session concluded with a briefing on various draft laws and agreements referred by the government, notably the draft Unified Law for the Management of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture for GCC states.
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