Viewpoint: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said
Our country is on a march of development into the future, guided by our past. We will utilise all means available to safeguard our gains and accomplishments, and to establish a prosperous future for our young generation in all parts of the country. Guided by Oman Vision 2040, we have implemented social and economic plans and programmes. We have seen gains in economic and fiscal performance as we advance on our march of growth and prosperity. Sustaining the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations has been the primary aim of the current stage of the development framework, and thus far we have seen positive changes in fiscal performance. This has been further strengthened by economic stimulus policies and a social protection scheme that caters to the welfare of our citizens, providing a humanitarian dimension to our development.
Youth are at the forefront of our government’s concerns. We have built on efforts made to engage the youth in the nation-building process. We will ensure that this partnership becomes more comprehensive and effective. Government institutions and officials are endorsing a sustainable course of action, focusing on highlighting the salient contributions of the youth to our country and organising their role in serving society.
We have made significant gains in recruitment in recent years, which has resulted in broad employment opportunities. We look forward with hope and determination that all industries and the private sector will play the role expected of them in promoting employment, and becoming the cornerstone of the economy and development. The aim of these efforts is to provide jobs for qualified citizens and prepare them with the skills required to join the labour market. As for entrepreneurs who wish to establish private projects, we will lend them our support and encourage their initiatives. We will offer assistance and incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises, given their vital role in stimulating economic activity and employment opportunities.
Local investment constitutes one of the basic pillars of the diversification of the national income. We have launched a set of national programmes and created an environment that encourages local investment. We have lucrative opportunities available in all fields, and look forward to becoming a destination for pioneering investments – notably in spheres that consolidate our approach to expand the national economy and diversify sources of income. We boast a wide range of competitive incentives, great potential and promising opportunities.
The government will unleash its efforts and capacities to facilitate cooperation and integration in support of the development of the governorates. They will enhance their preparedness for investment and build comparative advantages that create development models. This will be substantiated by a set of strategic goals to be executed by the government within the context of five-year plans. Thus, the movement towards development can be perfected and empowered across all parts of the country.
Over the next stage of the Renewed Renaissance, we will take action to transform government performance to a more sustainable level, with a set of lasting and comprehensive solutions that prioritise economic growth, fiscal sustainability and social welfare. Based on our keenness to provide the maximum protection and care for citizens and residents, we will increase the support and development of a climate early warning system and advanced urban planning schemes in order to curb the harmful impacts of climate change.
Let us take pride in our identity and the core essence of our personality. Let us also open up to the world in a balanced and objective manner, and in a way that does not compromise our originality or identity, or make us lose sight of either of them.
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