Sunday, November 20, 2011

Relations between Oman and India are on a good roll and only set to get better, says Issa Ibrahim Al Farsi, Consul General of Oman in Mumbai

Going Good, Getting Better

Relations between Oman and India are on a good roll and only set to get better, says Issa Ibrahim Al Farsi, Consul General of Oman in Mumbai

As we celebrate the 41st National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, it is worth noting that our country has been making significant strides in the field of Education, IT, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, non-oil businesses and Human Resources. Furthermore, the building of new highways, roads, airports and sea ports has made transportation more efficient. As a result, we are attracting more investments today, leading to an increase in trade and economic growth. Since Oman has huge gas resources, major investments have been made in this sector in keeping with the government's 'Vision 2020' of diversifying the sources of national economy.
Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, and the wise policies implemented by him, Oman has managed to transform itself into a modern country that has stamped its presence on the world map. Many factors are playing a part in the blossoming of Oman's economy. These include our business-friendly environment, the rule of law, and the Free Trade Agreements we share with various countries.
Oman and India have shared excellent trade relations for several decades. The Arabian Sea joins our two countries, bringing our people closer. Economically, politically, culturally and commercially, the Oman-India relationship has flourished over the years. Perhaps the two most prominent examples of joint Indo-Oman investment are the Oman India Fertiliser Project (in Oman) and Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (in India).
Tourism is a major economic sector in Oman, and more flights have been made operational for the ease of tourism. We have launched Oman's Ministry of Tourism in India so as to promote tourism, and enable Indian tourists to travel to the Sultanate with ease. Incidentally, Oman's favourite tourism and medical destination is India.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in India, along with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organised a two-day Partnership Summit on 'New Partnerships for Economic Resurgence: The Global Imperative' in Mumbai. Over 1,200 participants representing 30 countries attended the summit, wherein Oman was the focus country. During the programme, a review of trade relations between Oman and India was conducted, wherein we discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of trade, industry and oil refineries among others. The Business Council of Oman-India shed some light on the good climate for investment in the Sultanate and the projects to be implemented during the eighth Five Year Plan from 2011 to 2015; the Port of Sohar and the services, facilities and features available in order to attract more investment projects, particularly those associated with iron industries, and projects that benefit from the Port of Sohar as a regional logistics base for all goods and services. It also shed light on the Duqm Port and Dry Dock project in the Central Region, which opened in April this year and its strategic geographical location in the region, in addition to incentives and facilities available at the port to investors.
In May 2011, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL), a company promoted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) with equity participation from Oman Oil Company Limited (OOCL) set up a 6 MMTPA grass root refinery at Bina in Madhya Pradesh. The refinery has a capacity of producing up to 120,000 barrels per day.
I am delighted to invite Indian investors to explore the immense business opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman. I would also like to welcome more Indians tourists to visit my country.
On the glorious occasion of the 41st National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Government, and the people of my country.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please do write your suggestions and thoughts.