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.
The second-largest economy in Latin America, Mexico seems poised to enter a new growth phase as the government of Enrique Peña Nieto implements radical changes in a number of sectors across the economy. The reforms, aimed at raising the competitiveness of the Mexican economy, have the potential to establish Mexico’s position as a regional powerhouse.
Since the country’s transition from communism two decades ago, the Mongolian economy has experienced rapid liberalisation. Sectors including ICT and insurance are expanding quickly and, while the mining sector has been responsible for making Mongolia a rising star in the global economy, there is great potential for further growth in all economic sectors.
On the cusp of 2014 national elections and the 2015 integration of the ASEAN Economic Community, Indonesia is poised to continue its rapid economic expansion. While the country’s natural resources are still plentiful, by channelling foreign direct investment into the right areas, the government is ensuring that true potential, in terms of value and manufacturing, is achieved.
Despite the political and social challenges that marked late 2013, Thailand’s economy has remained stable and is poised for further growth in the coming years. However, concerted action by the public and private sectors will be needed for the country to avoid the middle-income trap of stagnating productivity and to maintain its stance as a top Asian economy.
2013 saw the transition of power from the former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, his fourth son and second son with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a move unprecedented elsewhere in the Gulf but not unexpected in Qatar.
