Oman: Volume of Investments in 13 Existing Zones Reached 39.5 Billion

Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy pointed out that the volume of investments in the 13 existing zones, supervised by OPAZ, reached RO15.2 billion. Photo: local media
Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy pointed out that the volume of investments in the 13 existing zones, supervised by OPAZ, reached RO15.2 billion. Photo: local media
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Oman: Volume of Investments in 13 Existing Zones Reached 39.5 Billion

Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy pointed out that the volume of investments in the 13 existing zones, supervised by OPAZ, reached RO15.2 billion. Photo: local media
Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy pointed out that the volume of investments in the 13 existing zones, supervised by OPAZ, reached RO15.2 billion. Photo: local media

Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) pointed out that the volume of investments in the 13 existing zones, supervised by OPAZ, reached RO15.2 billion (USD39.5 billion), constituting a growth rate of 6% in 2021.

This came during the annual media briefing of OPAZ to highlight the achievements of 2022 in various fields, as well as to reveal OPAZ’s strategy and the goals of its plan for 2023.

Al Sunaidy added that after transferring the affiliation of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) to OPAZ in June 2022, the Authority supervises 13 existing zones.

The zones comprise the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) and 3 free zones in Sohar, Salalah and Al Mazunah, and 9 existing industrial cities operated by Madayn.”

He added that there are 8 various new zones under development and study. The Integrated Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate, which is under planning and development, will be among the promising upcoming zones.

“In the field of financial sustainability, OPAZ was able to reprogram the financing agreements and provide financing coverage for a number of infrastructure projects ... without the need to refer to the government’s treasury,” said Al Sunaidy.



Gold Steady as Focus Shifts to US Data for Economic Cues

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Steady as Focus Shifts to US Data for Economic Cues

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices were little changed on Monday, while investors awaited a slew of US economic data including the December nonfarm payrolls report for further guidance on the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates.
Spot gold held its ground at $2,635.39 per ounce by 0510 GMT. US gold futures dropped 0.2% to $2,646.80.
How the US jobs data fares this week could hold the key to whether gold breaks out of its recent range, said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
"There is a plethora of US data due for release this week (including ISM Services PMI data), and any downside misses could hurt the USD and help gold."
The US jobs report, due on Friday, is expected to provide more clues to the Fed's rate outlook after the US central bank rattled markets last month by reducing its projected cuts for 2025.
Investors are also awaiting ADP hiring and job openings data, as well as minutes of the Fed's last policy meeting for further direction.
Gold flourishes in a low-interest-rate environment and serves as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties and inflation.
US President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to office on Jan. 20 and his proposed tariffs and protectionist policies are expected to fuel inflation.
This could prompt the Fed to go slow on rate cuts, limiting gold's upside. After three rate cuts in 2024, the Fed has projected only two reductions for 2025 due to persistent inflation.
The US central bank's benchmark policy rate should stay restrictive until it is more certain that inflation is returning to its 2% target, Richmond Federal Reserve President Thomas Barkin said on Friday.
Spot silver was down 0.2% at $29.57 per ounce, platinum dipped 0.7% to $931.30 and palladium fell 0.4% to $918.22.