Muscat: The Shura Council resumed its debate of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef's remarks, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, for the second successive day.
The Council members stressed the importance of stepping up efforts and reviewing strategies and policies to increase the trade and industry sectors' added value locally, connecting enterprises to accessible national resources. They also advocated for greater Omanisation levels in the manufacturing industry, noting its quick expansion, and underlined the need of developing a plan to encourage industrial enterprises to take in national talent.
During the meeting, Council members emphasized the importance of improving incentives and amenities to empower the industrial and commercial sectors. They also suggested creating a national center to help halted industrial projects.
Furthermore, the members addressed the importance of foreign investment as a means to economic and social issues, such as employment creation and industrial growth. They urged the establishment of an appealing and flexible investment climate marked by integration among pertinent groups, as well as the identification of obstacles that might impede foreign investment initiatives.
The meeting also highlighted the rising significance of ecommerce in Oman, with a suggestion to build a unified ecommerce portal under the Ministry's oversight to assist local businesses and simplify licensing, payment, and delivery services.
These talks occurred during the Council's 14th regular session of its 10th term (2023-2027) and the second annual convocation (2024-2025). Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, chaired the session, which included Shura Council members and Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary General of the Shura Council.
