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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Oil and non-oil sectors to remain buoyant: Report

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Business Reporter -


MUSCAT, JULY 27 -


Economic growth in Oman is expected to steadily edge higher over 2019-2021, led by pro-growth reforms aimed at diversifying the economic base, according to a recent report by NBK’s Economic Research Department.


“As such, we see growth rising to around 3.9 per cent in 2021, on the back of continued gains in both oil and non-oil sector activity,” the report noted.


While Oman’s oil production will remain capped by the Opec+ production cut agreement, the ongoing expansion in gas production capacity should more than compensate, especially following recent non-associated natural gas discoveries and new project partnerships with international energy firms. “As a result, we see real oil growth averaging 3-4 per cent over the forecast period,” it further stated.


Non-oil activity is also likely to accelerate, averaging 3.6 per cent y/y to 2021, as the government pushes ahead with developing its key sectors-manufacturing, transport, logistics and tourism, in line with its Vision 2020 plan.


According to NBK, consumer price inflation is expected to pick up speed in 2019 to 1.5 per cent, following the excise tax levy on selected goods in June. “The upward momentum is likely to continue into 2020 with the planned VAT coming into effect; this is expected to add some 1 per cent to inflation for one year. We should see inflationary pressures subside somewhat in 2021 as the initial impact of the VAT fades,” the report said.


Deficit is expected to be financed by debt issuances and through privatisation, according to NBK. “Oman is currently rated below investment grade by all three major rating agencies, which may make it more difficult for the Sultanate to lower currently high cost premiums on any further debt issuances. Nonetheless, the government is reportedly in talks with foreign banks for a sovereign bond issue of up to $2 billion. This would be its first international debt issue of 2019, part of the government’s plan to finance about 85 per cent of this year’s fiscal deficit through local and foreign borrowing.”


In addition, the government is also furthering its privatisation agenda and plans to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) to help relieve its financial constraints. It plans to privatise two electricity companies, Oman Electricity Transmission and Muscat Electricity Distribution ($3.2 billion in total assets).


Liquidity conditions in Oman are projected to remain constrained over the medium term, as private credit growth and government borrowing outweigh deposit growth. Latest data showed growth in private credit averaging 2.1 per cent in the first four months of this year, deposit growth in contrast logged an average of 1 per cent during the same period. Private credit growth is set to be supported by healthy business and housing demand. Deposit growth will be limited by weaker government deposit growth (due to lower oil receipts).


“The economy is projected to register solid growth rates over the forecast period, as the government remains committed to its diversification plans. However, higher budget deficits and public debt as well as a weaker external position are a source of concerns for investors. Plans to boost non-oil revenues and foreign investment inflows should help alleviate some of these concerns and improve Oman’s credit ratings,” the report added.


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