09 Mar 2010
Business guide to chart Sultanate’s achievements as economic expansion pays dividends.
Oman’s economic success story, which combines tapping new fields of business with positive, ongoing oil and gas exploration, is mapped out in a business guide just published by Oxford Business Group (OBG), the leading global publishing, research and consultancy firm. There is also an in-depth analysis of the transformation witnessed throughout
Oman during the past four decades, commemorating the 40-year anniversary of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said’s rule.
The Report: Oman 2010, which marks OBG’s sixth anniversary of documenting the Sultanate’s economic activity and investment opportunities, was launched on 9th March 2010 at the Grand Hyatt, Muscat. The report includes a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for investors, together with a wide range of interviews with the most prominent political, economic and business leaders.
OBG’s new report explores Oman’s achievements in diversifying its economy while fending off the worst of the world financial crisis, including the effective steps it has taken to attract foreign investment and its ambitious plans for developing the tourism sector.
Sultan Qaboos gives his views on Oman’s economic development, together with those of many high-profile international personalities, including Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan and Malcolm Brinded, Executive Director, Upstream International, Royal Dutch Shell.
Also featured are interviews with key figures from the local political arena, including Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmood Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy, Mohammed bin Hamed Al Ruhmy, Minister of Oil and Gas, Khamis Al Alawi, Minister of Transport and Communications and Maqbool Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Widely anticipated to be the most comprehensive English language report on the country’s economic activity to date,
The Report: Oman 2010 charts the Sultanate’s progress in the areas of business that are helping it to expand beyond hydrocarbons, particularly the downstream industry. OBG’s business guide looks in detail at the incentives which the government is making available to international investors, such as boosting free zones to include downstream clusters and adding to its ever-growing list of free trade agreements.
As the industrial sector strengthens its foothold in Oman’s economic expansion, The Report: Oman 2010 considers the measures put in place aimed at encouraging businesses to extend their reach across the Sultanate. OBG maps out the significant number of industrial estates and parks opening their doors in the Sohar and Salalah regions, which are proving to be leading lights in economic expansion thanks to the attractive business environment they offer and their easy access to international markets.
OBG’s new report explores Oman’s bid to carve out a niche for itself as a high-end tourist destination. There is comprehensive analysis of the wealth of projects on the horizon, which are set to produce widespread investment opportunities, as the government moves to ensure that the country has the necessary infrastructure and facilities in place to cater for five-star visitors.
The Report: Oman 2010 has been produced in partnership with Brand Oman Management Unit. Contributions have also been made by Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co. as OBG’s legal partner, Abu Timam Grant Thornton as its accountancy partner and Al Madina Financial & Investment Services as partner for capital markets.
Abby Lindenberg, OBG’s Regional Director, said that while hydrocarbons still accounted for most of Oman’s industrial output, the growth in the Sultanate’s non-oil sectors signalled that the country had found a balance which was allowing it to achieve sustainable economic diversification.
“Oman has weathered the financial crisis better than many countries, while keeping on track with its long-term goals,” she said. “The Sultanate’s exciting plans to tap the country’s potential as a tourist destination will not only generate interest among investors, but are also set to help the government meet its Omanisation targets. I am confident that OBG’s new report accurately reflects Oman’s impressive economic progress and maps out the considerable investment opportunities still in the pipeline.”
Lindenberg also acknowledged the key part that OBG’s partners had played in contributing to The Report: Oman 2010.
“Our partners have detailed knowledge of the significant developments taking place in Oman,” she said. “By pooling resources and sharing business intelligence, they have undoubtedly helped OBG to produce a report containing high-level credible and accurate analysis which the international business community will find invaluable.”
The Report: Oman 2010 marks the culmination of more than six months of groundbreaking field research by a team of analysts from OBG, assessing trends and developments in all major sectors of the economy, including energy, industry, finance, banking, tourism, transport and real estate. The report forms part of the range of OBG’s publications, which are renowned as leading sources of information on developing and emerging economies around the world. The Report: Oman 2010 is available in print form and online.
About Oxford Business Group
Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm, which publishes economic and political intelligence on the markets of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of political, macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, insurance, energy, transport, industry and telecoms. The Report: Oman 2010 is produced in partnership with Brand Oman Management Unit, Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co., Abu Timam Grant Thornton and Al Madina Financial & Investment Services.
The critically acclaimed economic, political and business reports have become the leading source of business intelligence on developing countries in the regions they cover. OBG’s online economic briefings provide up-to-date in-depth analysis on the issues that matter for tens of thousands of subscribers worldwide. OBG’s consultancy arm offers tailor-made market intelligence and advice to firms currently operating in these markets and those looking to enter them.
For more information please contact:
Oxford Business Group, Dubai, PO Box 502 659, Dubai, UAE
Kate Taylor, PR Manager
Phone: +971 44 264 642
E-mail: ktaylor@oxfordbusinessgroup.com
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