The Sultanate of Oman’s Industry and Commerce Minister, Maqbool bin Alu Sultan recently announced new measures to stimulate the tourism sector, to lure industrial investment and to reinvigorate deteriorating industrial units.
He added that the government has devised a draft of a new Tourism Law, and is optimistic about launching a new tourism college in 2002. Further, youth camps will be established at tourist spots to promote tourism. An international consultancy has been contracted to aid in the tourism efforts.
Maqbool added that the government introduced a ‘one-stop-shop’ opportunity for investors to buy industrial projects. In addition, business license applications will now become available through post offices, to offer increased access for entrepreneurs residing outside of Muscat.
Maqbool added that the Omani investment law, which had allowed foreign investments up to 70 percent in strategic economic projects, may reach 100 percent pending on approval of the Council of Ministers.
Speaking on the topic of information technology, Maqbool remarked, “A number of agreements were signed for establishing an Information Technology (IT) Park at the Rusayl Industrial Estate. This is the first step for developing IT industry in Oman.”
Meanwhile, a 7.9 million riyals fishing jetty was launched in Dalkhut in the southern Omani province of Dhofar as part of plans to boost the fishing sector. In addition, Maqbool informed that a new port valued at approximately 10 million riyals would be built in Khasab. (Albawaba.com)
