Featured by OBG
Oman is actively diversifying its economy as part of its Oman Vision 2040 strategy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors like agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and banking. The government’s focus on sustainable development is driving growth, particularly through strategic reforms, infrastructure projects and investment in renewable energy. Efforts to improve financial services, including banking, insurance and capital markets, have contributed to economic stability and attracted foreign investment. Oman’s advantageous geographic location enhances its role in regional trade, with a growing focus on ICT and digital transformation, positioning the country as a leader in innovation. The government has also invested heavily in education and health care, improving literacy rates and life expectancy while adopting modern technologies. The tourism sector is another key area of growth, with the government promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economies through community-based projects. Overall, Oman’s transformation is enhancing its competitiveness and positioning it for long-term economic growth.
Indonesia is transforming from a resources- and consumption-based economy to a more manufacturing- and investment-oriented one, working to build an industrial base that will allow it to reduce its dependence on imports and keep more value within the economy. Following his inauguration in October 2014, President Joko Widodo quickly took a number of vital and positive steps that so far are increasing opportunities for foreign direct investment.
Despite some recent turbulence, Turkey has strong fundamentals that underscore its potential for long-term economic growth. With a young population of 77.7m, a strategic location within four hours’ flying time of 1.5bn consumers and a diversified economy, the country has much to offer investors.
Given the significant foreign direct investment needed to achieve its development goals, Mongolia has strong motivation to improve its attractiveness to investors. The government is therefore adjusting its policies, while new laws are expected to gradually reinvigorate foreign investment flows.
Fresh from a rebasing exercise in April 2014 that boosted 2013 GDP by 89% to $509.97bn, Nigeria now ranks not only as Africa’s most populous country, but also as its largest economy. It has long played an outsized regional role, making up 76% of West Africa’s GDP and around 60% of its population.
Hydrocarbons revenues, specifically from liquefied natural gas, still form the bulk of Qatar’s national income. However, as the country moves forward with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the government is increasingly seeking to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons while investing in renewable solutions to meet the energy demands of the future.