Sultanate of Oman marks 45th National Day

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman

• Published Nov 17, 2015 6:07 PM KST
• Updated Nov 17, 2015 6:07 PM KST

Omani Ambassador Mohamed Salim Alharthy

contributed the below article on the occasion of

his country’s 45th National Day. — ED.

With a deep sense of pride, self-confidence and determination, the Sultanate of Oman celebrates its 45th National Day at a time the march of Omani modern renaissance, progress and prosperity continues to take giant strides in all fields under the wise leadership of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Modern Oman keeps scoring milestones towards reviving its prominent status in the world arena and contributing tangibly and positively to all that achieves bounty and peace for its people and the peoples of all friendly countries.

The government of the Sultanate of Oman spares no effort for the establishment of security, stability and harmony in the region, besides supporting all other efforts aimed at realizing peace through dialogue and peaceful means in a manner that achieves the common interests of all peoples of the region and enables them to channel their energy to their own development without external interference in their affairs in any way.

The 45th National Day of Oman

accompanied by

distinctive achievements

The 45th National Day of Oman is accompanied by distinctive achievements under the astute leadership of the Sultan, into wider horizons.

To name a few of the achievements, the first would be the successful execution of the 8th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) and the close finalization of a draft of the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), which is considered the last five-year plan in the Oman Vision 2020 initiative.

The 9th Five-Year Plan focuses on social aspects, particularly improving the standard of citizens’ income, increasing support to SMEs and completing megaprojects to help enhance the production capabilities of the national income. Meanwhile, work is underway on drafting Oman Vision 2040.

Focusing on this aspect, the Supreme Council for Planning — acting through the Omani Development Main Committee — is seeking ways to promote the diversification of sources of income, increasing the role of the private sector, upgrading renewable energy projects (wind power and solar energy) and activating the sectors of industry, transport, logistic services, tourism and agriculture.

The second distinctive achievement is seen in the Majlis Ash’shura (parliamentary) 8th term elections held on Oct. 25, 2015. The new board comprises a large number of young men. The State Council, whose members are appointed by Sultan Qaboos from among the best Omani experts, works in close coordination with Majlis Ash’shura where the elected members represent their respective wilayats and are engaged in decision-making in Oman.

Both the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura constitute a bicameral assembly known as Oman Council (or Majlis Oman), and this body works in cooperation with the Council of Ministers and other state institutions.

The third distinctive achievement is related to Omani foreign policy. Oman has played an active role, regionally and internationally, in promoting peace.

The Sultanate has ever since the outset of its renaissance declared that it is a country of peace and that it is keen on utilizing all means to achieve peace and harmony among the peoples of the region, to help resolve problems via peaceful means and through positive dialogue aimed to realize rapprochement among all parties.

Because Oman believes deeply in the importance of stability as a prerequisite to development and prosperity, it has gained credibility in world arena for its moderate stands. The 45th National Day celebrations coincide with this global recognition for the Sultanate’s positive efforts in resolving a variety of regional and international issues.

Among these achievements is the fruitful outcome of negotiations between Iran and the Group of 5+1 about Iran’s nuclear program. The signing of the July 14, 2015 nuclear deal pronounced the success of efforts made by the Sultanate to bring the two sides to an understanding in the first place. Oman actually hosted meetings between Iran and the Group of 5+1 in September and November 2014.

The Sultanate is also exerting efforts to stop ongoing hostilities in Yemen and help bring the disputing Yemeni parties to the negotiation table in preparation for the establishment of peace in the Republic of Yemen.

Oman’s benign efforts as relates to development in Syria are an ongoing process. Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Alalawi recently visited Syria and met President Bashar al-Assad on Oct. 25, 2015. Earlier, in August this year, the Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid al-Muallem, visited Muscat. Last month, a delegation from the Syrian opposition visited Oman. In the meantime, Russian President Putin had a telephone conversation with Sultan Qaboos in the wake of President Al-Assad’s visit to Moscow last month.

It should be noted that the Sultanate of Oman is taking such initiatives in complete impartiality and within the context of a sincere desire to achieve peace and security for the peoples of the region, earning the Sultanate more confidence and respect from all parties within the region and beyond.

Overall, Oman exerts tangible efforts in enhancing the concepts of coexistence, tolerance, dialogue and spreading love and peace for which our world today is in great need more than any other time before.

Achieving economic diversification

It is highly significant to note that, despite the sharp fall in international oil prices since mid-2014 — slashing the country’s revenues by 36 percent, the Omani government still makes relentless efforts to accommodate this slump and prevent any negative impact on the services rendered to citizens. The government is working to enhance sources of financial revenue, to cut government spending and to increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP.

The effects of this policy began to show over the past few months, with the Sultan urging for such precautionary measures to be taken when he presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers on the first day of November 2015.

Sultan Qaboos has underscored the importance of maintaining the welfare of citizens and the services rendered to them. He called for speedy action to devise plans for achieving economic diversification, competition of projects of public benefit, attraction of more investments to Oman, activation of partnerships with the private sector and continual encouragement of the setting up of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), given that an institutional and financial framework has now been made available for SMEs.

The Government of Sultan Qaboos seeks to develop administrative systems through the implementation of a measure to gauge the quality of government services and speed up the transition to e-government. In the meantime, the Council of Ministers has entrusted the Supreme Council for Planning with the revision of mechanisms and programs of the National Strategy for Logistic Services within the future vision of the Omani economy.

The Cabinet has also urged the departments concerned to speed up the completion of remaining projects at the Duqm special economic zone and to push forward urban development and sustainable development processes with a view to realize the aspirations of citizens.

The efforts undertaken so far have helped improve the Sultanate’s global ranking in terms of speed of finalization of business transactions. In this category, Oman ranked 2nd among Arab countries and 22nd worldwide among the 158 surveyed in the Level of Happiness Report 2015 conducted by the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions.

Oman also ranked 7th worldwide in the 2015 Quality of Life index, according to Nimbo’s international electronic data network report published by British daily The Independent last June.

It is well known that such indexes are linked to a great number of economic, social, cultural and health factors which achieve individuals’ wellbeing and the positive outlook of different countries.

Oman-Korea relations

and investment opportunities

Oman-Korea relations date back more than a thousand years, when Omani merchants met their Korean counterparts on their way to China during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC - 935 AD). In modern times, diplomatic relations were established in 1974. Since then, Oman-Korea relations witnessed remarkable development in various fields and the trade volume has increased and is even expected to double in the coming years due to heavy engagements, investment opportunities and partnerships between Oman and Korea.

Korea is regarded a major trading partner of Oman, and both countries engage in numerous economic exchanges and cooperation. Oman provides large quantities of oil and LNG to Korea. On the other hand, Korea exports many industrial products, including automobiles, vessels, high-tech electronics and electric goods to Oman.

Moreover, many Korean companies such as GS, Daewoo, Hyundai, Doosan, Hanjin, Daelim, and others are contributing to the development of Omani infrastructure and other major projects. To reflect the strong ties, an exchange visit from both sides has taken place. Oman has also participated in many international events and conferences which have taken place in Korea including the Silk Road festival which was held in Daegu.

Oman enjoys many investment features and incentives which have enabled it to attract domestic and foreign investment, including security, political stability and the application of a free economic system.

Oman has earned top rankings in the international community over indicators such as competitiveness, economic freedom, and doing business, while maintaining multiple cost advantages.

The Sultanate of Oman strives to make use of its geographical location by setting up economic zones and free trade zones to help attract local and foreign capital. Free trade zones provide a package of investment incentives and privileges such as exemptions from taxes, streaming of licensing and clearance procedures, import of all goods permissible in the country, exemption from the “lowest limit of investment” condition, free use of currencies and exemption of profits from income tax.

Up to 100-percent foreign ownership is permitted for setting up a business in one of Oman’s free trade and economic zones, along with major investments.

Located on the strategic axis of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf, Oman boasts accessible trade routes and fast transport times to the world’s most attractive emerging markets.

There are many investment opportunities and major ongoing projects and many more to come, such as a railroad project, a medical city, an education city, ports, airports, tourism projects, petrochemical projects, and many other projects in various fields throughout the country. Investment in Oman is wide and there are various projects in various places including Duqum’s special economic zone, Sohar Port and Freezone and many other industrial areas and free zones throughout Oman. Recently, Sohar Port and Freezone has added South Korea’s container line Hanjin Shipping to its list of global shipping lines offering direct links to this Omani deep sea port.

Oman: History, Culture

and Tourism

Oman history goes back to 5,000 years ago. Its strategic location between the East and West made it a major part for trade routes. Therefore, it has had historic connections with various civilizations in the past. Oman also was known as a seafaring and trading nation and played major role in the Silk Road.

Oman enjoys an unspoiled heritage, culture and traditional lifestyle in almost every aspect of life which is derived from the Islamic religion. The Omanis are a society committed to kindness, friendship, hospitality and the value of the family as a solid foundation of life. Arabic is the official language; English is considered a second language and widely used in the business sector.

Oman has rich cultural value, arts, handicrafts and folkloric performances. There are a number of UNESCO-classified World Heritage sites in Oman. The Royal Orchestra of Oman is considered one of the best worldwide, and the Royal Opera House recently opened as an example of its appreciation of art.

Oman is a beautiful country with many appealing sites and destinations. The popularity of Oman is mainly due to its geological structure, beautiful landscape, high mountain range, stunning architecture, majestic castles and forts, and historic traditional markets (souk), with green oases of palm trees, golden sand dunes, deep history, rich heritage and culture. Oman also has exotic beaches with crystal clear and sparkling water and luxurious resorts and hotels, with authentic restaurants accompanied by Arabic hospitality.

Oman is also known as the country of Sinbad the sailor and the land of luban. Stories of the adventures have been distilled into the tales of Sinbad, and they describe the historical sea routes from Sohar in Oman via Ceylon and Indonesia to Canton.

Luban is a tree is also known as Boswellia, mentioned in the Bible and having a good smell and throughout history known as a gift of kings. Luban was exported from Oman to other civilizations in Egypt, China and Europe. Luban is commonly used in temples, churches, mosques and homes.

In conclusion, I would like to say that during these blessing days of the 45th National Day, Oman is proudly witnessing achievements in various aspects of life made by the hands of its people under the wise leadership of HM Sultan Qaboos.

On this occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Korean government and people for the achievements that have been made in various areas, which are being felt everywhere, and the role of Korea in addressing issues of the local, regional and international levels besides hosting international events and conferences.

Also, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the Korean people and government for the cooperation, kindness, generosity and hospitality they have extended to us. Our thanks and appreciation are also extended to the sponsor and The Korea Times who have made this supplement possible.

Last but not least, I would like to invite the Korean people to visit Oman, explore the heritage, culture, and tourism landmarks. I also would like to invite Korean companies to participate in investment opportunities for various projects in Oman.

I’m confident that our relations and cooperation in the coming days will witness further enhancement and development. Ultimately, my heartfelt wishes to Korea for further success and progress and for the Oman-Korea relationship to further develop and prosper.