Oman In Focus 2019

OMAN IN FOCUS 17th Edition

A Publication on Sultanate’s 49th National Day by Embassy of Oman, New Delhi (India)

CONTENTS Oman Celebrates 49th National Day...................................................................................................................4 49th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, A Report......................................................................................6 Oman Registers 12 Per Cent Increase in Indian Tourist Arrivals........................................................................8 Oman’s Invest Easy Portal to Host 75 Entities..................................................................................................14 Duqm Project to Put Oman on Global Petrochemicals Map.............................................................................17 Oman Jumps 10 Places in Ease of Doing Business 2020..................................................................................18 Debottlenecking to Boost Capacity of Oman-India Fertiliser Project ..............................................................20 Vision 2040 to Secure Developed Nation Status for Oman...............................................................................22 Price Advantage for Indians Buying Gold from Oman.....................................................................................32 Oman-India Explore Investment Partnerships...................................................................................................34 Oman - India Defence Cooperation...................................................................................................................36 India Commits 125 Scholarships for Omanis under ITEC................................................................................40 12 Million Passengers use Airports in Oman.....................................................................................................42 Sohar Port and Freezone Contributes 4.8 per cent of the Sultanate’s GDP.......................................................44 Omani Dates, Part of Day to Day Life...............................................................................................................46

Published by: Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, EP 10 & 11, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021 Tel: 26885622 / 23, Fax: 26885621 • E-mail: newdelhi@mofa.gov.om • Website: www.omanembassy.in Produced by: Krest Publications, B-7/17/1, Ground Floor, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi - 110029 Tel: 46539323 Fax: 46105603 • E-mail: editor@diplomacy.in

Cover Photo (Bottom): The visiting Minister Responsible for Defence, H.E. Mr. Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib al Busaidi inspecting the Tri-Services Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on September 26, 2018.

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Ambassador’s Foreword

Oman Celebrates 49th National Day

H.E. Sheikh Hamed Saif Abdul Aziz AI Rawahi, Ambassador of Oman to India

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he Sultanate of Oman and Republic of India have taken well-established relations to the next level, a connection that had existed for centuries behind and a link that will exist for years to come.

ear-marked visit in the recent times, has enhanced the handholding of Omani – Indian people, thereby highlighting the reciprocal relations between the two countries.

Post the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr. Narendra Modi to Oman, which is an

The visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the Sultanate of Oman and subsequent meeting of the Hon’ble Prime Minister with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, has given a fresh impetus for further strengthening the already existing bilateral motives of both the countries especially in the field of culture, defence, education, health, infrastructure, food security, fisheries and cyber security etc.

Oman is the first country in GCC to institute a robust defence and security cooperation mechanism with India. Both sides have seen multiple visits of the Ministers.

MOU on military cooperation was signed during the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s visit to Oman.

The visiting Minister Responsible for Defence, H.E. Mr. Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib al Busaidi alongwith Ambassador H.E. Sheikh Hamed Saif Abdul Aziz AI Rawahi met with Indian counterpart during the official visit to New Delhi in September 2018

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Oman has conveyed its desire to join international solar alliance with India and this will provide a useful platform for countries both with rich solar potential. Oman and

Ambassador’s Foreword

India are collaborating in the proposed field of cyber security, space technology, food security, tourism, academic and scholarly cooperation.

Oman has successfully maintained its identity, unique culture, traditions and heritage. The hard work and determination of Omani people was led by the clear vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Under the able guidance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said there have been new milestones, and Oman being a progressive society as on date, where Omani women have been guaranteed equal opportunities.

With this 49th National day edition, I, as the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in New Delhi, India, would like to invite and welcome the readers of Oman An education exchange meeting with Ambassador, H.E. Sheikh Hamed Saif in Focus, the in-house magazine to visit Abdul Aziz AI Rawahi with CA Aniket S. Talati, Vice-Chairman, CA Babu Oman and get the first hand experience.

Abraham Kalliyavalil, Chairman, Committee for Export of CA Services Next year 18th November 2020, Oman & WTO and CA Prafulla P. Chhajed, President, the Institute of Chartered will celebrate its 50th National day, which Accountants of India held on 5th November 2019 is the Golden Jubilee. May God bless our country and His Majesty Long and Healthy Life.

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Bilateral Breakthrough

49th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, A Report

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said presides over Council of Ministers on 15th November 2019

H

is Majesty Sultan Qaboos presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Bait Al Barakah on November 15, 2019, on the eve of the Sultanate’s 49th National Day. At the outset of the meeting, HM the Sultan gave thanks and praise to the Almighty Allah for the bounties He has bestowed on Oman praying to Almighty Allah to perpetuate these bounties on Oman and its citizens.

the diversification of income sources and encouraging and supporting all economic sectors towards achieving fiscal balance in order to successfully handle the requirements of each of the Sultanate’s development stages.

achieve peace in the region. At the end of the meeting, HM gave his wise directives for providing suitable conditions to boost the performance at all levels. HM wished everyone success in all that would bring prosperity to the nation and its sincere people.

Reviewing the regional and international issues, HM affirmed For Omanis, November is more than just the second last month of the Sultanate’s continued keenness the year. It is the month of Oman’s on fostering constructive dialogue, National Day celebrations. And understanding and cooperation this year, Oman is celebrating the HM reviewed a number of issues among nations for the sake of 49th National Day. Citizens and on the domestic, regional and solving all issues by peaceful expats alike join hands to show international levels. On the means and in a manner that their love for Oman and Omanis domestic front, HM expressed enables the peoples to carry on with Visiting Prime Minister of India Mr. Modi in development a group photopathways with Minister Industry, H.E. Eng. Ali make the&best use of this month his satisfaction over the efforts their amidof Commerce bin Masoud al Sunaidi, Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad al Rumhi, Ambassador of Oman to to show their patriotism. that have led to sustaining the stable and secure atmosphere.

India, H.E. Mr. Hamed bin Saif Abdul Aziz al Rawahi and the then Ambassador of India to Oman, H.E. Mr. Indra Sultanate’s comprehensive People decorate their vehicles with HM expressed his optimism Mani Pandey alongwith senior officials and business community. development and attaining national symbols like the Royal over the efforts being exerted to economic stability through

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His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said presides over Council of Ministers on 15th November 2019 Emblem, khanjars and portraits of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Omanis dress up in colourful clothes that symbolise the national flag and wear badges and brooches signifying the importance of this day. Outlets across Oman take advantage of the occasion and compete in offering goods and services at affordable prices. Some shops even have attractive ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ offers to increase their sales and profits.

Nizam al Din works at a small store in Ghala that specialises in National Day car decorations.

He said that youngsters line-up to decorate their cars according to their tastes. “Some prefer to have their whole car decorated with the ‘national’ colours whilst others stick to just one side of the car. People of all ages come to have their cars decorated. They are eager to show their love for Oman and His Majesty the Sultan.”

He said that the business gets a big boost this month every year.

“Rates start at RO5 and keep going up depending upon the type of decoration.”

Throughout the sultanate, streets are illuminated with colourful lights and national flags are raised to show devotion and gratitude for the country. Expats and Omanis also celebrate the occasion by

buying National Day accessories, mementoes and memorabilia such as balloons, brooches, badges, wrist bands, stoles, scarves, caps, T-shirts and stationery items.

The bustling Muttrah Souq has many shops offering these items at affordable rates and people flock to buy them. Kids mostly enjoy buying flags whilst adults opt for badges and scarves and certain ‘car accessories’ like small pillows and small stickers. In his small shop, Ali has lined up National Day accessories at the front desk to attract shoppers. Ali said, “It is not only locals who enjoy buying these goods but tourists too.

“Flags are very popular among tourists which they take home as gifts and souvenirs. We sell them for 200bz only and people love buying them.”

Ali added that children love to buy as many items as possible as they like to show off to their friends in schools. “Scarves are popular as they wear them to celebrate the day with their peers. Adults like to buy badges to wear at their workplaces.”

Ali did not disclose the amount of money he makes during this month but says ’these items are exclusive to the National Day celebrations and cannot be found in other

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months of the year’. “I receive more customers especially youth during this month.”

Shaima al Siyabi, a private sector employee, said that buying the National Flag is a top priority for her in November. “No National Day is complete without buying the flag, a scarf and other accessories.

It is these items that distinguish National Day from other days of the year.

“Every year I make sure to buy a flag to hang in my car and a khanjar sticker that I stick on the car. Such items show that I stand in solidarity with everything Oman has given me.”

Likewise, Younis al Alawi, another private sector employee makes sure that he buys accessories of National Day every year. “While a scarf, stole and a flag are not enough to show your love for the country, they are both good ways to take part in the celebration. Not only are they affordable but it is also fun to buy a different scarf every year and wear it. I make sure I buy a scarf every November and two flags. One to hang on my rooftop while the other I keep in my room,” he said.

Source: Oman Daily Observer & Muscat Daily

Oman Tourism

Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Jebel Akhdar, (Al Jebel Al Akhdar), Nizwa

Oman Registers 12 Per Cent Increase in Indian Tourist Arrivals

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Oman Tourism

Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Muscat city

traditions blend seamlessly with modern day living, with the latest fashion and electronic brands sold alongside traditional handmade crafts, jewellery, and even livestock at souqs around the country. This same blend of the old and new is reflected in Oman’s architecture.

Attractions such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – two must-visit destinations when in Muscat – are perfect examples of this. Coupled with well-preserved villages and attractions like The National Museum, old forts and watchtowers like Bahla Fort, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is easy to see how the Sultanate has earned its reputation as a land of exquisite culture and rich heritage.

From exploring one of the largest cave chambers in the world, Majlis Al Jinn, to snorkeling the colourful coral reefs of Daymaniyat Islands or camping under the stars in the A’Sharqiyah Sands; adventure is at the heart of every journey through Oman.

In 2018, Oman recorded 12.37% growth in Indian tourist arrivals with 357,147 travellers visiting

The country’s culture is deeply rooted in its proud heritage and history of seafaring, trading, and exploration. Today, long-standing

Photo: Ministry of Tourism

O

man is a preferred destination

by Indian travellers looking for a unique experience.

The stunning landscape appeals to every kind of holiday seeker; from families looking for solitude to a perfect honeymoon getaway or a group of friends in quest for an adventure of a lifetime. The Sultanate offers activities and attractions across segments like adventure, nature, wildlife & culture. One can plan a short stay of 3 days or revere the beauty of the country with a 12-day visit; Oman offers a vacation that suits you best.

Nizwa Souq and Fort, Nizwa

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Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Photo: Ministry of Tourism Photo: Ministry of Tourism

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman Royal Opera House, Muscat A variety of dolphin species in the Gulf of Oman on a cruise

the country vis-à-vis 317,844 in 2017 ranking India as the second highest source market for Oman. Keeping up with this growth trajectory, Oman has already witnessed a 17% increase during January to April 2019 with 130,011 Indian visitors to Oman in comparison to 111,123 during the same period in 2018.

The significant increase in incoming tourism has been the result of the economic diversification strategy adopted by the Government of Oman.

The opening of the state-of-the-art Muscat International Airport, giving the country a plush gateway offering unrivaled service and earning the prestigious best new airport in the world. Also, to attract more travellers to visit the country, Oman offers a short-term tourist visa at 5 Omani Riyal (OMR) equivalent to approximately INR 930, for a 10-day visit. Indians who hold a valid visa to any one of these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan and Schengen States can avail the Oman visa through an e-visa process by simply logging on to https://evisa. rop.gov.om/ and make the 5 OMR payment online, whereas other Indian travellers can get a sponsored visa by

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Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Scuba diving – popular water activity in Oman

Oman in Focus Dhow cruises are a great way to experience Muscat’s coastline in the traditional sense, island visits, swimming, barbecues, and more.

12 Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Oman Tourism

paying 5 OMR plus processing fee through their tour operators. This is in addition to the existing e-visa for Oman which is available at 20 OMR with a validity of one month.

The amendments include dividing tourist visas into three sections: 10 days, one month and one year.

provides a perfect set up for weddings with various urban world class hotels. Being under 3 hours away from India and having excellent air connectivity with various cities in India also makes Oman a preferable wedding destination for Indians.

Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism is fully committed to enhancing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism component and to help Oman achieve its potential to be a first-class destination for the business tourism segment.

Oman has seen a significant increase in this sector with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat, which supports international and local organizations in hosting large events. The OCEC includes ultramodern theatres, conference rooms. The state-of-the-art OCEC witnessed the grand opening of the four-star Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC last year, which is the first of three hotels to open.

Oman Air, the national carrier is connected via direct flights with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,

Source: Ministry of Tourism

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Oman

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Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Oman’s shore is lined with soft sandy beaches and the landscape is a mixture of mesmerising desert vistas

Photo: Ministry of Tourism

Oman is not only seeing a surge in MICE travel but also a preferred wedding destination for many.

Muscat is a well-endowed city with modern infrastructure and

Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Kochi, Goa, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram. Besides, Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo are also well connected to Oman from various cities of India.

Business Reform

Oman’s Invest Easy Portal to Host 75 Entities

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he newly established Investment Services Centre (ISC), set up with mandate to enhance the business environment in the Sultanate, plans to integrate as many as 75 government agencies and private sector service providers into its Invest Easy portal by 2020.

ISC Chief Executive Officer Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Maamari, said the majority of these entities will be linked up electronically by the end of this current year, with the balance due to be connected during the course of 2020.

Speaking at a forum held in Muscat, he said the portal will ultimately serve as the single window for the entire lifecycle of a business — from the moment it seeks a Commercial Registration (CR) to its closure (if and when that happens).

Overseeing the Invest Easy portal is the Investment Services Centre, which has been established under

the purview of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to serve as a “national single window for local and foreign investors”, said Al Maamari.

This mandate, the CEO said, is enshrined in the Foreign Capital Investment Law, promulgated

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via Royal Decree 50/2019. Citing Article 5 of the Law, he said: “The Centre shall register the foreign investor, facilitate and simplify the procedures for the extraction of all approvals, permits and licenses necessary for its investment project.”

Business Reform

operations in the Sultanate, said the CEO. “The Centre is positioned at the front of the registration process and plays the central coordinating role between investors and the government. Its clients are entrepreneurs, prospective investors, business owners and project owners.

Importantly, the law obligates the Centre to respond promptly within stipulated timeframes to a licence application from an investor.

Failure to respond is construed as an acceptance of the application.

Al Maamari explained: “In all cases, the Centre and the competent authorities shall comply with the procedures and dates for the issuance of such approvals, permits and licenses. In case of failure to obtain a response within the legal periods stipulated in the regulations, the application shall be considered acceptable.”

In essence, the Investment Services Centre is the first port of call for investors seeking to set up

The Invest Easy portal will provide business registration, chamber certificate facilitation, licensing approval, annual report repository, and legal and regulatory updates.

Additionally, it will provide project facilitation services in the form of fast track project implementation, monitoring and problem solving.”

According to the official, around 30 government entities are currently integrated with the Invest Easy portal. This figure will ultimately rise to 75 entities by 2020, effectively positioning the Centre as a one-stop window for investors applying for anything from licenses to labour clearances, or even the dissolution of the company.

Included in this portfolio are some private sector entities, such as banks and telecom operators, who form an integrate part of the conducive business environment that the government is seeking to develop within the country.

Oman Economy

Duqm Project to Put

Hilal al Kharusi, Executive Managing Director – Oman Oil Duqm Development Company

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he multibillion dollar petrochemicals complex envisaged downstream of the Duqm Refinery in Duqm’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will position the Sultanate as a leading producer of niche commodities for the global market, according to a key official of Oman Oil & Orpic Group, which is major investor in the mammoth refinery and petchem development.

Hilal al Kharusi (pictured), Executive Managing Director – Oman Oil Duqm Development Company, said the petrochemicals scheme will also unlock further value from Oman’s natural resources and open up the potential for investments in value-added processing industries, thereby driving employment and economic growth as well.

“When we started our petrochemicals industry back in 2006, we were producing 6 – 7 different commodities, which were distributed across the world, mainly to markets in Asia and Europe, with some products

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Oman Economy

Oman on Global Petrochemicals Map

reaching the United States as well,” said Al Kharusi.

“We will add another 7 – 8 different products from Duqm Petrochemicals in 2025, effectively enabling Oman to provide the market with niche products. These will complement the petrochemicals from our sister company, Oxea, which has oxo-chemical manufacturing plants in Germany and the US. Consequently, we will have a nice portfolio of petrochemicals that will position Oman well on the global market.”

The official made the comments during a panel discussion held as part of the Oman Economic, Industrial & Free Zone summit (OEFZS 2019). The two-day forum was hosted by Ithraa and Free Zone Watch.

The Sultanate’s burgeoning petrochemicals industry, said Al Kharusi, will help meet the escalating needs of the global petrochemicals sector, which is growing at an average 8 per cent per annum. The total value of the global petchem industry reached around $550 billion by the end of 2018, and is projected to reach $980 billion by 2025, he noted.

Also attesting to the strength and appeal of Oman’s petrochemicals industry is the ease with which Oman Oil and Orpic Group – the main investor in this sector – continues to get funding for its projects from international lending institutions.

This is further underscored by the fact that Duqm Refinery, which achieved financial close last December – the largest financing in the Sultanate, was oversubscribed.

“This encourages us to move forward with our investment

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strategy for the petrochemicals industry,” he said.

However, while Oman Oil & Orpic Group is focused on the development of large-scale petrochemical ventures, there is still plenty of opportunity for small and medium investors to look at downstream and ancillary projects that would add value to Oman’s natural resources, said Al Kharusi. He stressed in this regard the need for a national strategy to enable small and medium investors to take advantage of the huge volumes of feedstock that will become available in the country when the Duqm Petrochemicals project comes on stream in 2025.

Oman Jumps 10 Places in Ease of Doing Business 2020

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man advanced 10 positions in the Ease of Doing Business 2020 report by the World Bank. With this, the Sultanate now ranks at the top among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the cross-border trade index as a result of continuous improvement in legislative and executive measures, according to the report. “The Sultanate has jumped 10 places in the ‘Doing Business 2020’ report, ranking 68th in the world for 2019, while in 2018 it was 78th,” said a statement from Oman’s Government Communication Centre (OCC).

Doing business is meant to be a measure of efficiency that is affecting 10 fields of business of 190 economies, the OCC said in response to the milestone achievement.

In cross-border trade, Oman has been ranked 64 globally and the

first in GCC. While in ‘starting a business activity’, the Sultanate ranks 32 globally and the second in the GCC. There are several other fields in which Oman has achieved globally: Building Permits (47th), Access to Electricity (35th), Property Registration (52nd), Investor Protection (88th), Pay Taxes (11th) Enforce Contracts (69th).

OCC added, “Globally, Oman ranked fourth in the overall ranking of the index. The factors that have contributed to the facilitation of doing business in the Sultanate are the excellence of the Sultanate in providing services and facilities in various fields.”

In the field of access to electricity index, it was distinguished in the service of prepaid meters and in determining the period of time to provide the service.

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In property registration, it has been distinguished in reducing the time required for the issuance of title deeds and in improving the land management system by publishing the service manual and clarifying the procedures of transfer of property. And about the Investor Protection Index, the Sultanate has been distinguished in increasing shareholders’ equity and clarifying property and oversight structures.

“As for the field of cross-border trade index, it was characterised by the development of infrastructure in the port of Sohar and the introduction of risk-based inspections, pre-clearance and audits,” the World Bank report said.

Doing Business 2020 measures regulations across 190 economies in 12 business regulatory areas to assess the business environment in each economy.

Economic Reform

Ten of these indicators were used to estimate an ease of doing business score this year, over the 12 months ending on April 30, 2019. This is the 17th edition of a study that has motivated governments worldwide to undertake business reforms with the goal of bolstering sustainable economic growth.

The study looks at rules affecting a business from inception through operation to wind-down: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.

Bilateral Ties

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Debottlenecking to Boost Capacity of Oman-India Fertiliser Project

man India Fertiliser Company SAOC (Omifco), which owns and operates a two-train urea and ammonia production complex at Sur, will be debottlenecked to help boost the capacity of the plant, a top official revealed.

Eng Isam al Zadjali (pictured), Chairman of Omifco, also said that a decision on whether to proceed with a longstanding plan to add a third train to the complex will be taken sometime next year.

“The board has decided to move forward with a debottlenecking project to expand the existing facilities with literally no additional

gas use. So this is something on the table we are working on,” Al Zadjali, who is also CEO – Upstream at Oman Oil and Orpic Group (a 50 per cent shareholder in Omifco) said.

A joint Oman-India venture, Omifco was launched in 2006 with a capacity to 1.65 metric tons/year of urea and 350,000 tons/yr of ammonia. Indian fertiliser cooperatives Krishak Bharati Cooperative (25 per cent), and Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative (25 per cent) are also shareholders in the project.

In remarks to journalists on the sidelines of the 10th Fertiliser

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Convention, at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Al Zadjali said Omifco was still discussing growth plans with its shareholders.

“We have run studies – technical and commercial – on expanding the current capacity of Omifco, but any decision will depend a lot on the future (outlook) for urea and ammonia, as well as the markets we are going into.

This discussion is still ongoing with our shareholders and with the government here to see what is the best way of expansion: Is it the (conventional) third train or any other ideas of producing new materials perhaps.”

Bilateral Ties

Eng. Isam bin Saud Al Zadjali Chairman Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) Omifco, which exports the bulk of its fertiliser output to India under long-term offtake arrangements, is keen to expand, said the official.

“We are interested to grow, but is it in urea and ammonia, or something else, is something we are continuing talking. This decision is not only market driven, but also driven by the gas price driven, operational efficiency, and so on,” he added.

Economic Diversification

Vision 2040 to Secure Developed Nation Status for Oman

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man’s ambitious Vision 2040 strategy, first unveiled last year, seeks to catapult the Sultanate into the ranks of the world’s most ‘developed nations’, a top government official said.

Dr Yousuf Hamad al Balushi, Chief Economist of the Vision 2040 taskforce, said the blueprint targets economic growth of around 5 per cent annually over the 2021 — 2040 timeframe. This compares with average growth of 7.5 per cent during the 1970 – 1995 period, and corresponding average estimated growth of 3.5 per cent during the 1995 – 2020 span.

“We would like Oman to rank among the most developed nations of the world, and in order to achieve this goal, we need to be advanced economically, socially, environmentally, and in all of the different aspects of development. We strongly believe that Oman has what it takes to get there,” Dr Al Balushi remarked.

Dr. Yousuf Hamad al Balushi, Chief Economist of the Vision 2040

Speaking at the Oman E-commerce Conference 2019, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, he said the Vision 2040 strategy represents the essence of a four-year-long exercise during which the task force reached out to an estimated 40,000 Omanis — young and old — as well as entrepreneurs, business persons, experts and professionals.

The conference provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and practices in the aspects of sustainable development, and acted as a platform to highlight efforts in preparing Oman’s future 2040 vision.

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“This Vision has been formulated based on inputs from Omani individuals, businesses and stakeholders representing all facets of Omani society. It encapsulates our current realities and future opportunities, and leverages our competitive strengths and advantages. It enables us to move the next stage of development which is based on a different set of engines — digitalisation being one of them.”

The blueprint, the Chief Economist said, seeks to capitalise on the building blocks of Oman’s modern renaissance characterised by its positive development story and excellent infrastructure represented by the nation’s high-quality roads, airports and seaports.

Most importantly, it will seek to leverage Oman’s modern appeal as a stable nation – a legacy of

His Majesty the Sultan’s wise leadership, and its friendly policies that have enabled the Sultanate to forge strong bilateral ties with countries across the world, and integrate with the global economy.

In his address, Dr Al Balushi described the estimated 50,000 young Omanis entering the labour market every year as a resource that, when suitably trained and developed, would help in the achievement of the Vision 2040 goals. “These young Omani students represent 50,000 engines of growth,” he stated.

Among the 69 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that must be met to achieve the Vision 2040 objectives are a number of economic targets, said Dr Al Balushi. They include a commitment to raise Real GDP per Capita by 90 per cent, Real GDP Growth by 5 per cent

annually, and the contribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to GDP to 10 per cent. Furthermore, it envisions the share of non-oil activities to grow to more than 90 per cent of GDP, as well as a 40 per cent contribution to job creation by the private sector.

A key objective of the strategy is to support the development of a competitive economy, said the official. “We need to make the business environment attractive to foreign investment. This is a key goal of Vision 2040. We strongly believe there are lot of opportunities here, natural resources, competitive advantages associated with its strategic location, and so on. But we need to join hands (with international players) to bring in the missing ingredients needed to achieve our many aspirations.”

Business Profile

‘To those of us who have been blessed by the Almighty to be part of Oman during the illustrious reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said - and who have had the honour and the pleasure of contributing under his leadership to a land of peace and plenty - the saying that ‹Dreams Can Come True› - is a fact - for we have witnessed very many of our dreams become reality.’

H.E. Dr Omar Bin Abdul Muniem Al Zawawi Special Advisor for External Liaison to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said

Over

75 wholly owned and associate companies form one of Oman’s premier business Groups, the OMZEST Group.

H.E. Dr. Omar Zawawi, a leading entrepreneur and Group Chairman, spearheaded the Group’s rapid growth to its present eminence.

Manufacturing is a focus area in Oman. Over 60% of OMZEST’s revenue comes from the manufacture of a variety of industrial and consumer products. Many of these products are market leaders in Oman and are exported to over 95 countries, contributing to nearly 75% of the turnover of the manufacturing companies.

Zeroing in on providing the best international products and services to Oman, the Group represents several world-renowned organizations and brands.

Extending

into diverse spheres, the Group’s activities include Banking, Contracting, Finance & Investments, Insurance, Manufacturing, Services, Trading & Agency Representation, Travel & Tourism, and Training & Education.

Sustainable development is at the core of the OMZEST Group business strategy. Several Group companies have been awarded the ISO 14001 and IECC environmental certifications in addition to other national and international awards.

The OMZEST Group invests continually in training and staff development, research and new product development. It also actively lends support to initiatives that contribute to national development and place Oman firmly on the global map for the high quality of its products and services.

MANUFACTURING AKZONOBEL OMAN SAOC Incorporated in the year 2013, AkzoNobel Oman manufactures a wide range of Decorative paints and Protective coatings in Oman through a Joint venture with AkzoNobel, a world leader in Paints and coatings. Introduced innovative products like Easyclean and Powerflexx under the Sadolin Dulux brand bringing the global expertise of Dulux with the best in class color delivery system to Oman. Also launched Sadolin Dulux Visualiser, an augumented reality app to make the painting journey a smooth experience for the consumer. Also the product range covering wood, metal, industrial and the automotive segments thereby making Akzonobel Oman a complete solutions provider in Oman.

AIR LIQUIDE SOHAR INDUSTRIAL GASES LLC Air Liquide Sohar Industrial Gases LLC (ALSIG) is engaged in production and distribution of Industrial Gases. Incorporated

in 2005, the Company produces gases for large industries located in Sohar area. ALSIG started its operations in September 2006 and is supplying industrial gases to refinery and petrochemical units in Sohar.

AIR LIQUIDE, France and ALSIG together bring its world-class expertise and customized service in industrial gases to further contribute to the safety, competitiveness and success of its customers mainly in Sohar Industrial Port Area, Oman.

AL WARDHA FOOTWEAR & LEATHER PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC Al Wardha is the manufacturer of popular brands including ‘Al Wardha’, ‘Zabad’ and ‘Al Safar’ sandals which are marketed through more than 150 outlets in Oman. Incorporated in 1979, the Company, also produces footwear for prestigious international brands and represents some leading names in safety and waterproof shoes for distribution in Oman. The Company is equipped with state-of-the-art Italian and German

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Business Profile machinery. Other products manufactured by Al Wardha are leather accessories including belts, portfolios, holsters, pistol covers, bags, etc.

AMIANTIT OMAN COMPANY LLC

Germany. Its VK –elaborate range of circufdit breakers is the result of an association between Toshiba Corporation, Japan and Jyoti Ltd., India. Its PH range of panel is fully extensible and effectively compartmentalized to IAC classification.

AOCL is one of the largest manufacturing companies in Oman and four times the recipient of ‘His Majesty’s Award for the Best Factory’. Incorporated in 1975, AOCL produces HDPE pipes, manholes, and tanks, rotational moulded products, UPVC pipes, GRP products and GRC building products.

The Company has pioneered in introducing HDPE sewerage products in Oman. The products of the Company are exported to Qatar, UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, and is accredited with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001. Further, AOCL is also a licensee of M/s Yamaha of Japan and M/s KWH of Finland.

NATIONAL DETERGENT COMPANY SAOG

AMIANTIT OMAN CONCRETE PRODUCTS LLC

The Company has a well-equipped and full-fledged Research and Development Division. The Company was the first ISO 9001 certified soap and detergent company in the region and was re-certified as ISO 9001-2000 in the year 2000 and ISO 9001-2008 in 2005.

Pioneer in manufacturing Engineered Precast Concrete Products in the Sultanate of Oman, the Company was set up in technical collaboration with M/s. Munro Ltd of Canada in 2010. Some of the major products manufactured by the Company are Precast Concrete Manholes for Sewer & Storm Water Networks, Precast Reinforced Concrete Jacking Pipes for Micro-tunneling, Box Culverts for Road Sector and Prestressed Steel Cylinder Pipes for Water Transmission Networks. In addition, the company manufactures a wide range of other Precast Concrete Products for the infrastructure and construction industry. The Company is certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 for its processes and products.

AREEJ VEGETABLE OILS & DERIVATIVES SAOC Incorporated in 1980, the Company is a market leader with leading brands like Minara, Sohar, Jabal Akhdar, Muscat Margarine, and Khafeef frying oil –which was voted as a ‘Superbrand’ –in 2012, an international recognition for brand equity. Sohar and Minara, Cooking Oil brands are also proud recipients of the ’Superbrand’ award. Equipped with a stateof-the-art technology, AVOD manufactures and markets top quality cooking oils, ghees, margarines, specìality fats, mayonnaise and butter products.

INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING & OIL SERVICES LLC Incorporated in 2014, its the first Company to set up a facility for Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE)/ Corrosion coatings in the Sultanate of Oman and is accredited with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 for its processes and products.

The Company is a leading corrosion coating applicator for all major Oil and Gas companies in Oman and the GCC region.

JYOTI SOHAR SWITCHGEAR LLC Incorporated in 2000, the Company manufactures Medium Voltage Metal Clad Switchgear for 12 kV System and 33kV Relay & Control Panel through Joint Venture between Jyoti Sohar Switchgear Co. LLC and Jyoti Ltd. India. Its Switchgear conforms to IEC 62271-1; IEC 62271-100 and IEC 62271-200 and is type tested at KEMA in the Netherlands and PEHLA in

Established in 1981, the Company is one of the leading FMCG companies in Oman. The Company manufactures and distributes a wide range of leading brands in detergent powders, liquid detergents, soaps, shampoos, allied laundry aids and other household and industrial cleaners. The main brands include Bahar, No.1, Site, Sur, Ayam, Star, Luv, Gentil, Sahar, Farah, Spark, Lamia, D’zire and Nada.The Company also manufactures and markets LABSA, a key raw material in Detergents. More than 60% of the volume turnover of the Company comes from exports to more than 30 countries.

The Company’s flagship brand BAHAR was voted as the “Greatest Brand” in Oman, for the period 2010-2011, at the Brand Survey conducted by the Oman Daily Observer.

In 2011, BAHAR was also voted as “Super brand” for the second consecutive year in 2012. In 2017, Bahar was voted as the most trusted Omani brand in the country across various categories.

NATIONAL HEATERS INDUSTRIES COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 1983, the Company is one of the leading manufacturers of storage type Electric Water Heaters and Steel Fabrication. Water heaters such as Glass Lined, Galvanized Iron & Copper water heaters are manufactured in a wide range of capacities under the brand name “Hotex”, “Sunex” and “Al Watani”. Steel portfolio under the brand “Hotex Steel” offers cable trays, trunkings, channels, ladders, accessories and cut sheets. The Company also offers a range of cooling products comprising water dispensers, small refrigerators, air conditioners, water purifiers etc. under the brand name “Coolex”. The Company is an ISO 9001/14001/ OHSAS 18001, G-mark and EQM certified company; and its products are exported to GCC countries conforming to local & international standards.

OMAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY SAOC Oman Agriculture Development Company SAOC is an Agro based Dairy Company which involved in the business of supplying fresh dairy farm products in the Sultanate of Oman via retail and direct sales.

OMAN FIBER OPTIC COMPANY SAOG Incorporated in 1996 the Company is involved in the production of fiber optic cables, which are supplied in Oman, other GCC countries and North Africa. It also has an integrated Telecom Unit comprising two divisions, Outside Plant Service (OSP)

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Business Profile and Telecom solutions to provide the following services to various clients in Oman and the GCC.:

Charger; and their Gold versions refer to the Sealed Maintenance Free batteries.

• Design supply and installation of fiber optic and copper cables • FTTH Solutions • Trenching, cable laying, splicing & termination • Passive infrastructure works • Wireless Broadband solutions • RF Design and engineering • Managed services • Infrastructure works: Towers, Solar Fencing and Shelters.

With an installed capacity of 1.75 million batteries a year, the division exports over 90% of its production directly or indirectly to over 50 countries across Middle-East, Africa, Europe and South America.

OMAN FORMALDEHYDE CHEMICAL COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 2005, the Company owns and operates 125 tpd of Urea Formaldehyde Concentrate (UFC-85) and/or 203 tpd of Aqueous Formaldehyde (AF-37) production facility at Sohar Industrial Port Area. The Company has setting up an expansion project for significantly increasing its capacity which will produce 114 tpd of Urea Formaldehyde Concentrate (UFC-85). The project commenced its operation from 2018.

The Company has secured 100% market share in Oman and its products are exported to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

OMAN METHANOL COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 2003,the Company has a modern world scale plant in Sohar, which produces methanol from natural gas.

The methanol is largely exported by bulk shipments to a wide range of customers, including global chemical/petrochemical companies, and marketed through a 100% off take agreement with its partner Helm AG of Hamburg, Germany, which manages its Asian business through its Singapore subsidiary.”

PSBG division: The Division is in the business of “Power Protection”, “Power Conditioning” and Renewable Energy Solutions, viz; UPS systems, DC Rectifiers / Chargers / SMPS, Industrial Batteries” (VRLA-SMF, AGM, Deep Cycle, Traction, Solar, Telecom), AVR, SVR, STS etc., Complete “Renewable Energy (SOLARPV)” Solutions and all corresponding accessories.

REEM UPS brand, launched in 2007, covers the entire range (600VA to 800kVA) and types (Off-line/Standby, Line Interactive, True Online – Double Conversion, Modular, Rackmountable) of UPs systems. With qualified and experienced Professionals, the division is one of the selected few “APPROVED AVME VENDORS FOR PDO & OGC” for UPS systems and accessories, supplying GE Make UPS systems, Ni-Cd and other batteries along with accessories for all OIL & GAS applications.

The division offers complete Power Solution packages with Power Protection and Power Conditioning equipment for telecom & other industries. Also launched complete Renewable Energy solutions using Solar (PV) technology for both Off grid (Telecom, Oil & Gas and others) and On-Grid Roof Top, Ground Mounted and small & medium applications.

OMAN TEXTILE MILLS COMPANY LLC

RIYAM INVESTMENT & TRADING ESTABLISHMENT LLC

Incorporated in 2004, the Company the only integrated textile mill in the GCC having in-house weaving, dyeing, It printing and finishing facilities. It is equipped with state-ofthe-art machinery from Sulzer, Bruckner and Stork among others, to produce some of the finest fabrics across a gamut of blends. The Company’s product range includes premium quality Uniform Suiting, Military Camouflage Fabric, Industrial Workwear, Digitally Printed Cotton and Silk Fabric, Dress material, Dishdasha, Thoub and Gotrah.

Incorporated in 1995, the company is a leading manufacturing, marketing and distribution house for perfumes, cosmetics, and toiletry products. The Company has brands like Reem, Touch, Al Kuff, Pearl, Caress, Identity and Sparkle, which are marketed in Oman including institutional customers and exported internationally. It has built brand equity for eau de perfumes, eau de colognes, eau de toilettes, after-shave lotions, hand wash liquid soaps, shampoos, air fresheners, hand sanitizers, and specialty industrial cleansing products.

These specialty cleansing products are supplied to cleaning companies and leading hospitals in Oman. Its oriental perfumes with olfactory compositions blend Eastern mystique with Arabian fantasy. The Company is also the sole distributor for many international brands.

REEM BATTERIES & POWER APPLIANCES COMPANY SAOC Incorporated in 1982, The Company has several divisions, as details below: Automotive Battery Division: Manufacturers of a wide product range covering about 180 different types of batteries, conforming to JIS, EN and BCI standards. Besides the wide range of Automotive applications, the division offers special batteries for the leisure segment and VRLA AGM batteries for battle tanks. The division also indigenously developed batteries for use in buses plying in London and Hongkong. The 12-volt batteries cover a wide range of capacities from 24Ah to 230Ah. The division manufactures Dry Charged batteries under several brands such as Antara, Gulfstar, Gulfracer, Powerpack,

WALJAT MODERN PROJECTS CO. LLC Waljat Modern Projects Co. LLC is a registered Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed in 2016 located in Rusyal industrial area. It has two factories with total area 3000 Sq M, fully equipped with modern machinery and highly experienced workforce. Its areas of business includes providing solutions in Intelligent Motor Control Centers (IMCC), Power Control Centers (PCC), Main Distributions Boards (MDB), Automatic Transfer Switch Panels (ATS), APFC Panels (Automatic power factor correctionb capacitor Banks), VFD Panels, PLC Panels,

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Business Profile Control and Relay Panels (C&R). The company focusses on local value addition, by providing quality products & services to meet customer requirements.

TRADING & AGENCY REPRESENTATIONS AREEJ BUSINESS SYSTEMS COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 1986, the Company represents agencies in Telecommunications and associated businesses. The product portfolio includes PABX System, Key Telephone Systems, IP Telephone Systems, Fiber Optic Communications / SDH Products, Fixed Wireless Terminals and Cellular Products. The Company represents NEC Enterprise Solutions in Oman.

BISHARA ESTABLISHMENT LLC

companies of global repute. They include Medtronic-Covidien USA, Straub Medical Switzerland, Biomedical Technologies South Korea, Nipro Japan, Ruhof Corporation USA, Lamed India, BAO Healthcare China, Inspiration Healthcare UK etc., to promote value added quality products and services to the fast-growing Healthcare market in Oman.

MUSCAT COLD STORES LLC Specialized in retail / wholesale distribution and marketing of frozen / chilled foodstuff, covering hypermarkets, groceries, restaurants etc. The Company’s product range is sourced from all over the world, especially Brazil, France, Germany, Belgium, U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, India, in addition to Oman.

The Company is a leading IT, Security Solutions, Point of Sale Solutions, Office Technology, Stationery and Colour Graphics Services Supplier in Oman. Since its inception in 1983, the Company has developed an impressive client base in the Government, Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry and the Private Sector and has earned extreme customer loyalty by offering world leading products and services representing excellent value for money, backed by professional and reliable service support.

MUSCAT DRILLING & TRADING COMPANY LLC

The Company’s Customer Care and Service Department – “BESTCARE” has secured and maintained the prestigious ISO 9001:2008 Quality Certification since 1997 and is the only Office Equipment Service Operation in Oman to have secured this distinction. BESTCARE takes pride in being the ‘benchmark’ for Service standards and also for providing 24/7 Service to its customers.

Major product / services offered by the company are Specialty chemicals and services, Centrifugal pumps, Downhole pumps and services, Drilling and workover services and Heat Shrink Sleeves.

The Company represents several International IT, Security Solutions and Office Technology Giants Viz. Xerox, Brother, Verifone, GBC, Etc., GENERAL ELECTRONICS & TRADING COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 1978, the Company specialized in Electrical projects and supply of Electrical equipment, represents an impressive list of agencies from the UK, USA, China, India, Korea, Italy, Turkey and Malaysia. It deals mainly in ElectroMechanical products viz. Capacitor banks, Heat Shrinkable Termination Kits and Joints, Surge Arrestors, Neutral Earthing Resistors, Load Banks, Gas Insulated Switchgears, Air Insulated Switchgears, H.V. Switchgear panels, Power and Distribution Transformers, Overhead Line Accessories, Generating Sets, Uninterrupted Power Systems, Gas Turbines, Auto Reclosers, Voltage regulators, etc. It also supplies Port equipment like Cranes, Container Reach Stackers, Terminal Tractors etc.

INFORMATION & OFFICE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Incorporated in 2010, Information and Office Technology Services (IOTS) specializes in Information Technology Solutions, which include, Audio Visual Systems and Digital Signage, Computers, Multi-Function Printers.

MEDICAL & SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES LLC Incorporated in 1992, the Company represents medical

Incorporated in 1990, the Company’s areas of business include oilfield equipment and services.

NATIONAL OILFIELD SUPPLY COMPANY LLC The Company provides equipment and services to oil & gas sector by representing some of the reputed equipment suppliers and service providers in Oman, since its Incorporated in 1985.

OFFICE SUPPLIES COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 1975., the Company an ISO 9001:2015 certified , engaged in sales and support of office products such as Office Furniture under which products viz. workstations, executive desks, chairs, storages, partitions, conference tables, educational furniture - library & laboratory furniture, auditorium chairs, healthcare furniture, breakout area furniture, etc. are marketed. Renowned brands for furniture are Steelcase, Frezza – Italy, Hyundai Livart - Korea, Boss Design – UK and others. Office Equipment Division markets RICOH/ Nashuatec/ Gestetner multifunction products (copiers/ printers/scanners), large format A0 colour plotters /copiers & projectors, SamKwang & EUN - mechanical & electronic mobile shelving, HSM shredders, Fichet-Bauche – safes, vault doors, lockers, ICAM – vertical carousels, Musashi currency & coin counters, racking, Bisley - lockers, Pitney Bowes – auto mailing solutions etc. Office Stationery Division has very large range of products under brands Pilot, 3M, Elba, Durable, ACCO, ACE, Letts, Casio and many more. Software Division sells & support VAT enabled ERP solutions of Sage & Wings as well as IT management solutions of Manage Engine. The Company also provides comprehensive Full Colour Digital Printing Copy Center Services.

OMAN MECHANICAL SERVICES COMPANY LTD. LLC Incorporated in1978, Oman Mechanical Service Co Ltd LLC (OMSC) is a leading trading and distribution company with over 40 years of experience in serving the customers of Oman.

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Business Profile OMSC represents agencies of renowned principals such as Exxon Mobil, Hyster, Stanley Black and Decker, DeWalt, Donaldson, Falcon Chemicals, Antara Batteries, GE Power, Henkel Loctite, Terraco and Bitumat.

OMSC operate from their Head office in Ghala Industrial Area in Muscat and has branches in Sohar, Salalah and Duqm.

With well qualified, trained and experienced sales and customer service teams, the Company covers the entire breadth of the country offering quality service and solutions to the large base of end customers and retailers. OMSC carries a large stock of items in their warehouses in all their locations and a fleet of trucks deliver the items to customers within 24 hours.

OMSC is certified to the latest ISO 9001: 2015 standard and has won many awards from its principals for their performances including Exxon Mobil’s best performing distributor in GCC for 2017.

OMAN SERVICES & SUPPLY ORGANIZATION LLC Incorporated in 1977, the Company is engaged in the field of Electro-Mechanical works upto 33KV, supply and installation, testing and commissioning of Diesel Generator sets from 15 KVA to 2000 KVA, Solar Panels, D.C. battery system for major GSM sites in Oman. The Company is the agent for Eatons Cooper Power Systems, USA for capacitor banks, surge arrestors, voltage regulators, auto reclosers, etc.

The Company is also the M & E Contractor carrying out ElectroMechanical contracting jobs for Oman Telecommunication Co. for extension of power supply, installation of stand by D.G. Sets etc. Also supplying and installing Hybrid Power Systems for GSM Mobile towers which includes D.C. Batteries, D.C. Diesel Generator sets and P.V. Solar Panels etc. for leading Mobile operators in Oman.

OMAN TEXTILE TRADING COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 2004, the Company is involved in investment and trading activities, including trading in textiles.

OMZEST BEIJING Started in 1992, Omzest Beijing is a liaison office for export, import and investments.

PROTEIN PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LLC Areas of business include retail sale in specialized stores of fish, sea food and products, sales of fishing boats and fishing gear and cold storage services.

REEM SCIENTIFIC & ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LLC The Company incorporated in 1988, represents BASF Germany for a wide range of chemicals and also specialises in supply of various minerals related to the oilfield, construction, ceramics & quartz based engineered stone manufacturing companies.

RIYAM ENGINEERING & SERVICES LLC Incorporated in 1986, the Company caters to ever growing requirements of technology, equipment, projects and services in the oil & gas sector in Oman.

Agency Division represents some of the most reputed international oil & gas equipment suppliers and services providers in Oman. Major products and services are Engineering & Consultancy Services, Pipeline Services - Corrosion Monitoring, Pigging, Pipeline Integrity, Hot Tapping & Stoppling etc., Mudlogging, Oilfield Chemicals, Rotating Equipment – Compressors and pumps for various applications, Carbon steel and CRA pipelines for oilfield & water applications, Different types of valves and actuators and Different types of instrumentation along with services Supply Division trades in structural steel products and tubulars catering to fabrication and construction sectors.

RIYAM INVESTMENT & TRADING ESTABLISHMENT LLC - TRADING DIVISION Incorporated in 1995, the Company, a leading marketing and distribution house for perfumes, cosmetics and toiletry products, has brands like Reem, Touch, Al Kuff and Pearl, which are marketed in Oman and exported internationally. It has built brand equity for eau de parfums, eau de colognes and eau de toilettes, after shave lotions, shampoos, air fresheners, hand sanitizers, etc. Its oriental perfumes with olfactory compositions blend Eastern mystique with Arabian fantasy. It is the sole distributor for many international brands.

Having invested in a well-knit sales and merchandizing team that covers all the major markets in the Sultanate apart from a well-developed warehousing and logistics infrastructure, Riyam has set up a successful distribution chain in the country to supply to various key accounts and Hyper and Super markets.

WALEED ASSOCIATES LLC Incorporated in 1975, Waleed Associates is a JV Partner of Siemens LLC, Oman, for Siemens activities in Power Generation, Power Distribution, Automation & Control, Mobility, Industrial Solutions, Infrastructure & Cities and a JV Partner of NEWREST WACASCO for Remote Catering, House Keeping, Cleaning, Preventive Maintenance, Camp Solutions and Ship Chandling.

The Company is a Siemens Solution Partner for Automation & Drives as well as a System Integrator for Automation, Drives, Instrumentation, Motors & LV Switchgear. Also have a System Integration Centre for Automation & Drives.

Waleed Associates offers design, installation, Commissioning & Maintenance of Traffic Systems, Speed Radars and Red Light Monitors, Parking Systems, Automatic Message Signs, LED Street Lighting, UPS and Solar PV Systems.

The Food Division indents, markets, exports and does air logistics of Chilled & Frozen Chicken, Chicken parts, Lamb, Sheep, Beef, Frozen Vegetables, Fresh Eggs, Liquid Eggs, Dairy Products, Corned Beef, Sugar & Lentils.

WALEED COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. Incorporated in 1979, the Company’s areas of business include distribution of Radio Communication and Telecommunication

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Business Profile Products and systems Engineering, Total communication Solutions for customer specific applications, including sourcing, supply, system integration, installation and commissioning services. It is the authorised partner for Motorola Solutions UK, Two-Way Radio Products and accessories and Unify Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG., the new OpenScape 4000 and OpenScape Business range of IP and Digital ISDN PABX systems, Call Centres, IVR & CTI solutions, OpenScape Management systems, Integrated DECT Mobility and various telecom applications.

Being one of the oldest Adverting agencies in Oman, ADINC has handled and built most of Oman’s leading brands. The agency currently deals with the advertising and communication of some of Oman’s best-known brands including OMZEST Group clients.

WALEED PHARMACY & STORES LLC

AL KHUWAIR DEVELOPMENT & SERVICES COMPANY LLC

Incorporated in 1980, and ISO 9001-2015 certified company, Waleed Pharmacy markets a wide range of Pharmaceuticals, Cosmeceuticals & Healthcare Products, Hair Care Products, Surgical and Hospital equipment, Intensive Care Products, Hospital Consumables & Disposable Products, GE Healthcare Imaging Equipment, Oncology Equipment, Hospital Furniture, Endoscopy for all specialty, Laboratory equipment and reagents.

Further, Waleed Pharmacy handles project for supply, installation and commissioning of Central Sterilization Equipment, Operation Ceiling Lights, Laundry Equipment, Hospital Laboratory Equipment etc.

Waleed Pharmacy currently has 8 retail outlets, 6 of them are situated at very prominent locations in Muscat and the others at Sohar and Salalah. Its central warehouse has facilities for storage of refrigerated, air-conditioned and nonair-conditioned goods. All these retail outlets & warehouse are ISO 9001-2015 certified.

ZAWAWI TRADING COMPANY LLC Incorporated in 1977, the Company’s areas of business include Sales and Services of Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) Cars and Trucks, including Freightliner & Western Star Trucks, Detroit Diesel Engines, Agriculture Equipment & Diesel Engines for various off-highway applications; Engineering projects and products in Mechanical, Communication, Instrumentation and Controls; Marine Engineering projects and products like Diesel engines, transmission and propulsion system elements, integrated propulsion controls & other shipboard equipment; Utility based electrical products; Desalination/ STP plants; Base Load Diesel Power Stations and Electrical Heat Tracing; IT/Telecom Products, Services & Solutions, Information & Communications Technology Strategy & Process Consultancy Services.

SERVICES ADVERTISING INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LLC Set up in 1991, the Company ranks among one of the top Advertising agencies in Oman. The Agency offers integrated communication solutions covering Advertising, Public Relations, Events & Activation, Identity Development, Market Research and Digital Communication solutions.

The Company pursues collaborative relationships with clients and partners to uncover the hidden potential of people, brands and business through creative communication. Awards won by the Company includes the Certificate of Merit at Cresta Awards, New York and the Golden Award at Montreux.

Set up in 1984, the Company is primarily engaged in investment activities.

AL MADINA LOGISTICS SERVICES SAOC An Oman-based SAOC Company established in 2007, to spearhead the task of leading the Logistics and Supply Chain Sector in the Sultanate. AMLS offers Total-Supply-Chain services that include: • Freight Forwarding • Transportation • Warehousing • Open Yard/Container Yard • Professional Logistics Consultancy.

CEVA LOGISTICS LLC The Company Incorporated in 1982, through a Joint Venture between Waleed Associates LLC and Circle International Inc., USA. The Company’s Product lines are freight forwarding, project forwarding, international household goods removals, intra-gulf trucking, customs brokerage and logistics services.

GARNET SHIPPING COMPANY Garnet Shipping Bahamas Limited is a joint venture with Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM) PJSC of Dubai that was established in 2005. Garnet owns two medium range (MR) chemical tankers and manages the chartering of these vessels to Oman Methanol Company LLC. The company has carried methanol and a variety of other clean petrochemicals on voyages encompassing ranges from the Far East to South America, with a reputation for highly reliable carriage of products and excellent standards of professional ship management.

GULF ENERGY MARITIME (GEM) PJSC Garnet Shipping Bahamas Limited is a joint venture with Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM) PJSC of Dubai that was established in 2005. Garnet owns two Medium Range (MR) chemical tankers and manages the chartering of these vessels to Oman Methanol Company LLC. The Company has carried methanol and a variety of other clean petrochemicals on voyages encompassing ranges from the Far East to South America, with a reputation for highly reliable carriage of product and excellent standards of professional ship management.

Investments in Medium Range (MR) chemical tankers, with ownership of vessels and managing charters for the same.

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Business Profile HSBC BANK OMAN SAOG. One of the most prominent banks in the country, HSBC Bank Oman has been a part of Oman’s development since its inception. The bank provides Retail and Corporate banking services through a wide range of products to serve all sections of society. HSBC Bank Oman has over 80 branches across the Sultanate of Oman.

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION LLC

Marble laying & Polishing work, Plumbing & Electrical works, Carpentry work including Dry wall partitions, Minor construction jobs, Chain link/Barbed wire fencing works, Small fabrication works including Car parking shades, Waterproofing of terrace/ toilets/kitchens, False ceiling jobs etc.

The Company has in-house capabilities to undertake the above services, maximizing the value of the client’s property through active ‘hands on’ management techniques and experience while adhering to the highest standards in the industry.

Established in 2009, the Company is engaged in providing software security solutions. Agency representation is another area of activity by which the Company represents reputed Principals worldwide. The Company is poised to set up a Data center/ Mass Data Storage.

MUSCAT FINANCE SAOG

MAERSK SHIPPING SERVICES & COMPANY LLC

Established in 2017, the Company offers a wide range of insurance plans under General and Life insurance. Commercial Insurance plans include Group Life Insurance (Employee Benefits), Group Medical Cover, Credit Life Assurance (for bank borrowers) and International Medical Insurance.

The Company was established in 1999, through a Joint Venture between Reem Scientific & Energy Technologies & Trade LLC and Maersk West &Cantral Asia Ltd., Bermuda (A.P. Moller).

The Company offers services across the globe with regular mother vessels calls at Salalah port, providing access to Europe, United States, Latin Americas, Far East, Australia, New Zealand, Indian Ocean Islands, East, West and South African markets.

Set up in 1987, the Company provides Leasing, Factoring, Working Capital and Project Financing, Hire-Purchase and Consumer Durable Financing as its spheres of operation.

MUSCAT INSURANCE COMPANY SAOG

It caters to the market of perishable and foodstuffs and handles a wide variety of cargo.

The Company also offers a complete range of standard and bespoke non-life insurance products customized for individuals such as Motor, Home, Domestic Workers, Personal Accident, Travel, Boat & Yacht Insurance policies and for corporates such as Motor, Property, Marine, Liability, Engineering, & Contracting and Accident insurance policies.

MEZOON TRAVEL LLC

OMAN METHANOL HOLDING COMPANY LLC

Established in 1975, Mezoon Travel LLC represents 10 renowned airlines as General Sales Agent (GSA) in the Sultanate of Oman. These are, Swiss, Lufthansa, Sri Lankan Airlines, Egypt Air, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Air Mauritius, and Go Air. It offers comprehensive travel management solutions through its various brands and sub-brands such as Mezoon International Travel & Tours LLC, Mezoon Holidays, Mezoon Destination Management Services and Mezoon Cargo and Freight Forwarding Services. Mezoon Travel is the associate of Global Travel Management Company, BCD Travel for the Sultanate of Oman. It has a widespread distribution network and presence in all major gateway cities in the country.

Established in 2003, the Company is involved in activities related to investment in methanol and related business.

MUSCAT CONTRACT CLEANING MAINTENANCE & SERVICES LLC An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company, established in 1986, MCCMS provides the whole gamut of Facilities Management Services under one roof. MCCMS, on the Soft Services side undertakes services such as One-off cleaning, Annual contract cleaning, Façade cleaning, Carpet shampooing & laying, Pest control services, Landscape maintenance services including indoor plant maintenance, Garbage and waste water disposal services.

On the Hard FM Services, MCCMS can assist with AMC’s of air-conditioners, building maintenance services viz. Painting works, Tiling/re-tiling works including Interlocking pavers,

OMAN SEA PETRO SERVICES LLC Oman Sea Petro Services LLC (OSPS), a Joint Venture Company set up in 2010, provides services of mud logging and mud engineering including geologists and mud loggers to the oil & gas industry in Oman. The Company also supplies mud logging units, mud chemicals, oilfield tubulars and other equipment.

OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING CO. SAOC Set up in 1988, the Company is a holding company of two fully owned subsidiary companies - Oman Textile Mills Company LLC and Oman Textile Trading Company LLC. PERSONAL REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT A real estate division handling leasing and maintenance of properties owned by H.E. Dr. Omar Zawawi. Its activities include construction & acquisition of residential, commercial & industrial properties and leasing to the Omzest Group of Companies, their principals and outsiders. Established in 1975, it is one of the oldest divisions of Omzest.

REES OIL & GAS SERVICES LLC Established in 1996, the Company caters to upstream and downstream services in the Oil & Gas industry as well as oilfield products, chemicals and equipment supplies, representation of international companies in Oman. It has a joint venture with

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Business Profile BGP International China (Subsidiary of CNPC China), called BGP Oil & Gas Services LLC, to carry out seismic acquisitions, both onshore and offshore, and data processing. Geological services, H2S Safety services, Hot tapping, Internals for Pressure vessels, storage terminal equipment, drilling services are handled by the Company.

RIYAM COMPUTER SERVICES LLC Established in 1995, the Company is a leading turnkey IT solutions provider of VAT compliant ERP, Document Management System, IT/Network Security and Mobile applications covering Oil & Gas, Banking, Manufacturing, Trading, Pharmaceutical and Government Organizations. The Company handles large projects from business planning to complete implementation providing IT consulting services.

The Company also provide consultancy, implementation and product enhancement services for SAP/ORACLE based solutions.

SIEMENS LLC, OMAN Siemens LLC, a Joint Venture between Waleed Associates LLC and Siemens International Holding B.V. Netherlands set up in 2006, is the leading infrastructure solutions provider with a focus on power, transportation and building technology.

Not only has Siemens provided the technology behind many of country’s key infrastructure projects, the Company also continuously strengthens the long-term commitment to the Sultanate with its investment in education as well as involvement in corporate social responsibility projects.

TRANSWORLD ASSOCIATES, PAKISTAN Provides broadband high-speed telecom interconnectivity between Pakistan, Middle East and the rest of the world using submarine and other cable links.

WALEED CATERING & SERVICES COMPANY LLC Established in 1982, the Company is a joint venture between Waleed Associates and Newrest Group, which is a world class leader in the catering industry. This perfect blend of international and local expertise has positioned Newrest Wacasco to be one of the largest Industrial Catering and Services Company that serves an impressive client portfolio of companies. Newrest Wacasco also provides remote catering, housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, preventive maintenance, guest house management, retail solutions, camp provisions and ship chandling.

YUSUF BIN AHMED KANOO & COMPANY Set up in 1975, the Company acts as shipping Agents; Freight Forwarders; Suppliers & Service Providers to Oil & Gas Industry and, Household Packers & Removals.

ZAWAWI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC Established in 2005, the Company supplies a wide range of Engineered equipment and services to the Oil & Gas industry, marine and utility related projects. Mainly specialized in Mechanical equipment (Static & rotating) representing some of the world renowned brands in the industry.

CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTING NATIONAL TELEPHONE SERVICES COMPANY LLC Established in 1980, the Company is one of the largest diversified private enterprises and is a market leader in the field of communications in the country. NTS has today grown to the position of being one of the important private enterprises in the field of communications in the Sultanate of Oman with five operating divisions under its umbrella. The Company undertakes Turnkey Telecommunication projects and services.

In addition, it offers Networking & Software solutions, Data Centre, Building Management Solutions, IP Telephony & Unified Communication Solutions, Managed Services, Fire alarm & Security systems. The company has also diversified in providing integrated software solutions for Telecom operators, Government and private customers. The Company played a crucial role in building the country’s telecom network as a major infrastructure and solution provider for telecom operators. It has worked very closely with Private Enterprises and Government Institutions in implementing the above products and solutions for building required infrastructure for them.

The Company operates through its five divisions, comprising Comsec Division, Infotech Division, Data Services Division, Projects Division and Software & Services Division.

OMAN NATIONAL ENGINEERING & INVESTMENT CO. SAOG Established in 1978, formerly Oman National Electric Co., the Company repositioned itself in the diverse competitive global business scenario and rechristened itself as Oman National Engineering and Investment Co. (SAOG). OMZEST have a 26.167% stake in the company. During the last 32 years, the Company has made successful forays into power, water and utility sectors in Oman. The Company has delivered projects on time and reached out to Omani nationals, through the company’s core activities of power, water and utilities. Since inception, the Company has registered steady growth backed by committed shareholders, professional management with dynamism and dedicated professional staff exceeding 2900.

TRAINING & EDUCATION WALJAT COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES Incorporated in 2001, Waljat College of Applied Sciences, Muscat was established in the year 2001 in academic partnership with Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, India. The College presently offers Bachelor of Engineering programmes in Biotechnology, Chemical, Computer Science and Electronics and Communication, Bachelor of Computer Applications, Bachelor of Business Administration at graduate level and Master of Business Administration and Executive MBA programs at post-graduate level. Approximately 4000 students have so far graduated with Degree, Advanced Diploma and Diploma certificates and are serving with distinction in government and private sectors. Many of them have made a mark as entrepreneur within and outside the country.

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Price Advantage for Indians Buying Gold from Oman

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uscat: Indians living in Oman have a surprise gift in the latest budget announced by the government… buying gold from Oman is now less expensive. How? By raising the import duty on gold to 12.5 per cent from 10 per cent, buying gold in India has become 2.5 per cent more expensive than in Oman.

Ignatious also encouraged customers to make use of the ongoing promotion at Joy Alukkas.

Best news for retailers With the revised duty structure, the customer will save more than INR 400 (about OMR 2.25) per gram on gold purchases from GCC countries. The price benefits will be

Speaking to The Arabian Stories, Anto Ignatious, Regional Manager (Oman) of Joyalukkas has encouraged customers to buy gold from Oman before flying to India. “Buying gold from here (Oman) will be more beneficial than buying it from India because of the import duty,” he said.

“Most of the people are now in India due to summer holidays and I am sure once they are back they will rush to the stores across Oman to buy gold,” he added.

Oman in Focus 32

magnified if the Indian rupee were to lose ground against the dollar.

Right now, the rupee is hovering at 178/180 to the riyal.

According to Mr. Rajesh Govindan, Managing Partner of Cochin Gold & Diamonds, the budget announcement will definitely help bulk buyers, especially those buying for wedding related

Advantage Oman

purchases. “No doubt, this is the best news we received. I advice people who are going for wedding functions to buy gold from here as they will be more beneficial.

We have some great offers at our Ruwi branch with some items on zero making charge and I urge customers to make use of this,” he said.

“I am sure that the import duty hike will see most of the Indian

customers returning back to jewellery stores across Middle East and I am sure there will be record sales in all these stores in the coming months” Rajesh added.

Cost-effective trip to India Abdul Salam K P, the group executive director of Malabar Group, the parent company of Malabar Gold and Diamonds said: “If a family of four visits and brings

back jewellery in a reasonable quantity, they can cover their trip cost easily. They also have the additional benefit of a much wider choice from international jewellery”.

He added that even the most popular designs and artefacts of India will be much cheaper in Oman, other GCC states, Singapore and Malaysia.

Source: The Arabian Stories

Bilateral Ties

Oman-India Explore Investment Partnerships

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Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, Chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm

he Public Establishment for Industrial Estates – Madayn recently organised the OmanIndia Investment Meet at Crowne Plaza Muscat aiming to explore partnerships between Omani and Indian companies and factories.

Speaking at the event, Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, chief executive officer of Madayn, said: “This gathering represents an ideal platform to get acquainted with the incentives offered by the Sultanate in general and Madayn in particular to potential investors.”

The meeting was organised under the auspices of Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm and chairman of Ithraa.

“The Sultanate of Oman and India enjoy long-term official, friendly, historical, cultural and economic relations. The industrial scene in Oman is seeing a dynamic investment activity from the Indian investors.

The event was attended by a high profile business delegation from India comprising 35 businessmen representing sectors including food, logistics, information technology, telecommunications and renewable energy, in addition to a number of business and investment officials representing various public and private bodies in the Sultanate.

“In fact, the Indian investors are among the top three nationalities investing in Madayn’s various industrial cities across Oman. With the aim of boosting Oman-Indian investment ties, Madayn has set up a representative office in India to promote Oman and Madayn as an attractive destination for investments,” he added.

Indian firms invited to invest in Oman’s industrial cities

Oman in Focus 34

Madayn, organized the Oman-India Investment Meet at Crowne Plaza, Muscat “Today, we have more than 2,200 projects investing in Madayn’s industrial cities, which are employing more than 60,000 of workforce. By the end of 2018, the total volume of investments has touched more than $17 billion.

Besides, work is underway to launch two new industrial cities in the country. The two cities will be the first to be fully developed and managed by the private sector through developers with international expertise in this field,” Al Hasani explained.

Nasima Al Balushi, director general for Investment and Export at Ithraa, said: “Oman and India have ancient trading links. Links that remain as strong as ever today. In fact, Oman’s exports to India have more than doubled over the last four years.

“Over many years, our two nations have built shared interests in each other’s prosperity, in the generation of jobs, the development of skills and the enhancement of competitiveness. And today, we have the opportunity to not only build upon and strengthen this special relationship but also to come together and meet the challenges of the future.”

She noted that Omani companies are capitalising on India’s outstanding growth and doing business across India in sectors as diverse as food processing, energy, infrastructure, tourism, fisheries, mining and manufacturing.

Delivering his presentation, Jalal Al Lawati, marketing and promotion director at the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm, explained that Duqm enjoys a strategic location, international relations, availability of diverse natural resources, multi-model transportation system, and ease of doing business.

He also elaborated that the economic drivers include potential land area for development (total area of 2000 sq km and 90 km coastline); export manufacturing platform – based on key economic sectors- petrochemicals, mineral processing and fisheries-based industry; maritime transit hub and a logistics gateway; and an incubator of renewable energy and clean technology industries.

Mustafa Al Lawati, acting CEO of Oman Investment and Development Holding Company (Mubadrah), stated that Madayn

Oman in Focus 35

introduced Mubadrah to strengthen Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Mubadrah is undertaking constant efforts to attract international developers and operators in accordance with best practices in the development of industrial cities.

Mubadrah aims at developing and improving the operational processes, competitiveness, infrastructure and facilities of the various industrial cities.

Mustafa Al Lawati then outlined the incentives offered by Madayn to the investors including lease period of lands and facilities for up to 30 years, renewable for the same period; right to sell constructions and buildings on the leased land; right to lease the buildings and facilities built on the leased lands by investors; right to involve new partners in the lease contract; exemption from tax on net profit for a period of five years for industrial projects; exemption from customs duties and taxes on production input; among other incentives. It should be noted that Madayn has introduced concessions with PPP for a period of up to 99 years and it is the only body that offers this kind of concepts in Oman.

Bilateral Ties

Oman - India Defence Cooperation

The visiting Minister Responsible for Defence, H.E. Mr. Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib al Busaidi meeting the then Indian Minister for Defence, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi on September 26, 2018.

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man-India Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries. There have been regular high level visits between the Ministries of Defence. India’s Defence Minister visited Oman in May 2016 and Oman’s Minister

Responsible for Defence Affairs visited India in September 2018.

Over the past few years, there have been visits of Defence Secretary, CNS and CAS to Oman with reciprocal visits to India by all three Omani Service Commanders, Secretary General of Defence, etc. Constant and continuous

Oman in Focus 36

senior leadership engagements have facilitated greater bonds of friendship. The Ministries of Defence of both countries review their relations annually under the aegis of Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. The last JMCC meeting took place in November 2018 in Muscat. Army,

Bilateral Ties

Air Force and Navy undertake staff talks on a regular basis which has been the catalyst for new areas of cooperation. India and Oman conduct regular biennial bilateral exercises between all three services. The 3rd Army exercise ‘Al Najah’ was in March 2019 in Jabel Akdhar, Oman.

Indian Air Force (IAF) MikoyanGurevich MiG-29UPG fighters locked horns with Royal Air Force Oman (RAFO) combat jets including F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon jets during the bilateral Exercise Eastern Bridge-V. The joint air exercise was held from

October 17-26, 2019, at RAFO Base Masirah.

The 13th edition of Naseem-AlBahr (Sea Breeze) 2019 Naval exercise between India and Oman will be conducted in December this year in Goa, The year will mark 26 years of Indian Navy-Royal Navy of Oman bilateral exercises that has been a biennial feature since 1993, Indian Navy ships along with two Royal Navy of Oman ships Al Rasikh, Khassab will sail to participate in the exercise.

India has ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with Oman dates back to over 4000 years BC. Bilateral relations

Oman in Focus 37

between both countries were formally established with signing of 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of friendship, Navigation and Commerce. It was first between India and Arab country. Oman has been extending its support to Indian Navy’s anti-piracy missions and Indian Naval Ships are regularly welcomed by Oman for Over Seas Deployments. Oman held The IONS preparatory workshop on 13-16 October 2019 to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region and generate a flow of information between naval professionals that would lead to common understanding

and possibly cooperative solutions by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues. A sailing vessel ‘Zeenat al Bihaar’ from the Royal Yachts participated with INS Tarangini and INS Sudarshini in the joint sailing voyage from Kochi to Muscat in November 2019.

The joint sailing formed part of the celebrations commemorating the 10th anniversary of IONS. The Ships retraced the ancient maritime trade routes from the Malabar Coast to the Gulf. Indian Air Force and Indian Navy aircraft regularly utilize Omani Airports and Air bases for refueling and operational turnaround.

First India-Oman Army to Army Staff talks was hosted by

Oman in Focus 38

Bilateral Ties

Indian Army at New Delhi on 15 September 2019. The meeting was attended by four member military delegations from the Sultan Armed Forces to strengthening military cooperation and coordination.

Indian Air Force (IAF) MikoyanGurevich MiG-29UPG fighters is locking horns with Royal Air

Force Oman (RAFO) combat jets including F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon jets during the bilateral Exercise Eastern Bridge-V. The joint air exercise was held from October 17-26, 2019, at RAFO Base Masirah.

Further signing of MoU on Defence Cooperation in December 2005

Oman in Focus 39

and subsequent establishment of oint Military Cooperation (JMC) in March 2006 had set foundation for increased defence cooperation.

The naval cooperation between both countries since then has gradually increased in scope and scale.

Bilateral Ties

India Commits 125 Scholarships for Omanis under ITEC

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he Embassy of India, Muscat, celebrated the 55th anniversary of the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day under the auspices of Shaikh Khalid bin Omar al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service. The event was attended by a number of senior officials from various ministries and institutions in Oman as well.

Around 200 ITEC alumni from Oman, comprising Omani officials and professionals, who have participated in various training courses in India under ITEC Programme during previous years, attended the celebration.

The ITEC Programme was launched in September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the

Government of India for capacity building of friendly developing countries. It has emerged as a key vehicle for India’s contribution to Human Resource Development of partner countries. Under the ITEC Programme, every year India provides around 14,000 scholarships in around 300 short, medium and long-term training courses conducted in 100 stateof-the-art institutions of learning and excellence for officials from 161 countries from Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries.

Since its inception in 1964, approximately 200,000 professionals from all over the globe have benefited from ITEC

Oman in Focus 40

programme. In view of India’s exceptionally close relations with Oman, Government of India has offered 125 scholarships for Oman under the ITEC Programme for the period April 2019-March 2020.

Over the years, ITEC Programme has received a good response and hundreds of Omani government officials have attended ITEC courses.

The ITEC Programme covers a diverse range of subjects from traditional areas like agriculture, SMEs, management, English language to IT, Science & Technology, biotechnology and so on. The skills which are being provided under ITEC Programme facilitate human resource development, capacity

Bilateral Ties

economic diversification and its vision to become a knowledge economy and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthen and expand its strategic partnership with Oman, including in the field of training and skill development.

building, skill upgradation and empowerment.

‘ITEC Day’ celebration is India’s annual endeavour to bring ITEC alumni together so that they can share their experiences and views on India with one another.

In his remarks, Ambassador of

India to the Sultanate of Oman, Munu Mahawar stated that the ITEC Programme was rooted in the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means that the whole world is one family. He stated that India will remain a strong partner in Oman’s journey towards

Oman in Focus 41

Ambassador Mahawar informed the guests regarding the launch of new modalities like e-ITEC and ITEC-onsite by the Government of India and was elated to speak about the completely revamped ITEC programme this year with new partner institutions and the addition of special courses like artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, petroleum and forensic science which will be offered by top-notch institutions like IITs, IIMs and so on.

Business News

12 Million Passengers use Airports in Oman

Oman in Focus 42

Business News

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he total number of passengers traveling through airports in the Sultanate (Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, and Duqm) until the end of August 2019 reached 12.04 million.

The number of arriving and departing flights from Muscat International, Salalah, and Sohar Airports by the end of August 2019 reached 75,971 flights, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The total number of passengers at Muscat International Airport rose by 6.5 percent to 10.8 million passengers at the end of August 2019, over the same period of the previous year. The total number of flights at Muscat International Airport fell 0.8 percent to 78,171 flights at the end of August 2019, from 78,773 flights for the same period of 2018.

The number of international flights at Muscat International Airport was 71,073 flights during the eight-month period of 2019 from 71,046 flights for the same period of the previous year.

The total number of international passengers at Muscat International Airport rose by 7.4 percent at the end of August 2019, reaching more than 10 million passengers. This

included 4.9 million passenger arrivals, five million passenger departures, and 20,804 passenger transits. Domestic flights at Muscat International Airport fell by 8.1 percent to 7,098 flights at the end of August 2019, against 7,727 flights for the same period of 2018. The arrival and departure of domestic flights also dropped by 8.1 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively. The total number of domestic passengers at Muscat International Airport fell by 4.3 percent to 776,018 passengers in August 2019, against 810,667 passengers for the same period of the previous year.

This included 384,210 passenger arrivals and 391,808 passenger departures, the NCSI report showed. Meanwhile, according to the report, the total number of passengers at Salalah Airport fell by 2.4 percent to 962,778 passengers at the end of August 2019 compared to 986,473 passengers for the same period of 2018. The total number of flights at Salalah Airport fell by 1.9% to 8,120 flights compared to 8,276 flights in August 2018.

The total number of international flights at Salalah Airport surged

Oman in Focus 43

by 19.1 percent to 3,331 flights till the end of August 2019 while the number of domestic flights fell by 12.6 percent to 4,789 flights in August 2019. The total number of international passengers recorded a rise of 12.2% to reach 368,428 passengers while the number of domestic passengers fell by 9.7 percent to 594,350 passengers.

However, there was a drop in the total number of passengers at Sohar Airport by 17.2 percent to 203,647 passengers for the period under study compared to 245,934 passengers for the same period of 2018. The total number of flights at Sohar Airport also fell by 14.5 percent to 1,673 flights as at end of August 2019 compared to 1,956 flights at the end of August 2018.

Duqm Airport saw a rise in the total number of passengers by 27 percent to 36,766 passengers at the end of August 2019 compared to 28,939 passengers for the same period of 2018. The total number of flights at Duqm Airport till the end of August 2019 reached 406, comprising a drop by 0.2 percent compared to 407 flights in August 2018, the report said.

Source : Oman News Agency

Economic Progress

Sohar Port and Freezone Contributes 4.8 per cent of the Sultanate’s GDP

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ohar Port and Freezone celebrated its 15th Anniversary in a glittering ceremony at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat on November 4, 2019. The event was conducted under the auspices of Dr Ahmed Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport, alongside the presence of a number of ministers, dignitaries, partners and members of the Sohar Port and Freezone management.

Commenting on the event, Dr Ahmed Mohammed al Futaisi said, “15 years since

Oman in Focus 44

Economic Progress

the inception of Sohar Port and Freezone, we are proud to have established a world-class port on the coasts of the Sultanate of Oman to serve the region and the world. Sohar Port has become a pivotal part of the logistics sector in the Sultanate and a major import and export hub for both Oman and the regional countries.

The port itself is a success story, with regard to several aspects.

This especially includes its achievement of attracting large vessels and international investors, accommodating a variety of industries and handling a diverse range and size of general cargos, containers and other goods.”

Cargo throughput at the logistics gateway has grown year on year reaching 61 million tonnes and the Port now handles over 3,400 vessels per year. 62 per cent of Oman’s total imports entered through Sohar in 2017, alongside 42 per cent of the country’s exported volumes. In the same year, Sohar Port and Freezone also contributed to 4.8 per cent of Oman’s total GDP. The Port and Freezone is also a trailblazer for job creation. Sohar Port and Freezone has created 10,836 direct job opportunities, with the combined value for both direct and indirect employment amounting to 1.1 per cent of the total number of workers in Oman, which has generated a combined added value of 1.3 billion in 2018.

Dr Mohammed Nasser al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of Sohar Port and Freezone said, “Sohar Port has created a remarkable footprint and made its presence recognised, both in the region and globally. We are also proud to be ranked as one of the fastestgrowing port and free zones in the world, with investments exceeding RO 10 billion. With our strategic geographical location, providing us access to global markets with an outreach of over 2 billion people, Sohar Port has played a vital role in line with the national Logistics Strategy 2040.”

Oman in Focus 45

In addition to celebrating the people and achievements, the 15th Anniversary Sohar Port and Freezone Book also highlighted key statistics about its contribution to Oman over the last 15 years.

Mark Geilenkirchen said, “Sohar Port and Freezone has always aimed to expand and reach out to important markets and reinforce relationships with investors from across the globe. Our wellestablished mission and vision have helped all of the members of the Sohar Port family remain focused on delivering business excellence to clients, growing bonds of friendship with the local community and increasing our contribution to the diversification goals for our national economy.

With several projects in the pipeline, we continue to grow and continually adapt, keeping ourselves updated with the latest developments and technologies.

At Sohar Port and Freezone, we also strive to implement innovative solutions that prove beneficial not only to the organisation but also to the surrounding community.”

“Over the past 15 years, Sohar Port and Freezone has emerged as a global logistics and industrial hub. Looking ahead, we continue to align ourselves with Oman’s diversification and logistics strategies, attract foreign direct investment and increase employment and SME opportunities in Suhar. We are confident that by employing a young and capable workforce, while simultaneously investing in innovative solutions, we will be able to achieve our strategic objectives,” Omar Mahmood al Mehrzi, DCEO of Sohar Port and Freezone — CEO of the Freezone concluded.

Omani Culture

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Omani Dates, Part of Day to Day Life

manis are known for their unique hospitality, and that particular tradition has unvaryingly attracted people and civilisations to this Arab world.

Visit any Omani house or office or a farm and be his guest, the first thing that they welcome you with is invariably the home-grown dates and traditionally brewed drink called ‘Kahwa’.

This sweet, fibre-rich, high in proteins and vitamins, small brownish (mostly) fruit is a common feature of the Arabin Gulf that lives with generations after generations, for Omanis, it is an emotion and an inevitable part of their day to day life.

cultivation and preservation of the trees are a part and parcel of Omani life which cannot be separated from his very own self”, says Dr Saif bin Rashid al Shaqsi, Director General of the ‘One Million Date Palm Trees Project’, a national drive to preserve and protect, nourish dates culture in the country. This project oversees 11 locations spread across Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, North Al Sharqiyah, South Al Sharqiyah, Al Buraimi, and Dhofar, with a projected date production of 96,000 tonnes and approximately 60,000 tons of date palm byproducts annually.

These varieties are followed by Al Mebselli and Al Khasab date varieties.

Besides Naghal, Faradh, Khalas, varieties like Bunaranja, Mmajdool, Hilali al Hassa, Barni, and Mathloob are also high in demand and have both local and international market. Al Shaqsi said that although all fruits are midseason varieties, Majdool, originated from Morocco, is an expensive variety and boasts of high demand in European countries., Faradh is low in sugar, high in fibre and nutritious, Khalas can be seen in most of the Omani households.

“Dates in the Sultanate can be categorized into two groups, such as Table dates and Manufacturing dates “, adds Dr Saif bin Rashid al Shaqsi, who is also the Chairman of Nakheel Oman Development Company.

“While the Table dates are meant for human consumption, Manufacturing dates are not suitable for human consumption, hence, they are used as fodder for animals or by humans after processing.” Nakheel Oman Development Company is the flagship food processing and production company formed jointly by a partnership between the Diwan of Royal Court represented

by Directorate of the One Million Date Palm Trees Project and Oman National Investments Development Company “Tanmia”.

While the abundant sunlight, the omnipresent oxygen that is vital to the living creatures are free, the plush, ubiquitous palm trees and dates are an Omani way of life and culture, Omanis are co-existing with.

The Oman Date Festival at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is an ode to the effervescent dates culture of the Sultanate that showcases more than 250 indigenous varieties of dates, their derivatives, and their byproducts opening a large window to the history of these small fruits.

“Oman has a rich tradition of dates and palm trees, dates, date seasons,

Out of the various dates, the tastiest, delectable, and succulence ones for many are Fardh, Khalas, and Khunaizi. There are Nagal and Ash Patash varieties were among the first ones to hit the market.

However, the acceptable to them are not as good as the earlier ones and dates of Al Khunaizi known as the sugariest will enter the market as harvest season progressed, thanks to the scorching heat that help dates to ripe and bow down in a natural attempt to help the pluckers reach easily, according to the elders who brought in their varieties of dates to the festival.

Oman in Focus 46

Oman has an estimated 7.6 million palm trees and production of 360, 000 tonnes per year according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ statistics 2018.

Oman’s dates production was estimated at 361,000 tonnes compared to 355,000 tonnes in 2016 and 344,000 tonnes in 2015. The Ministry has distributed nearly 750,000 seedlings to farmers in different parts of the Sultanate in the past to replace the old date palm trees besides introducing innovative packing and packaging units and distributing 750 packaging machines as part of this project. It has also provided subsidy to hundreds of farmers across the country and the ministry has also subsided more than 20 farmers who own date processing units.”

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