Oman’s Investment Authority Allocates $260 Mln to Support Muscat Stock Exchange

Muscat Stock Exchange (Omani News Agency)
Muscat Stock Exchange (Omani News Agency)
TT

Oman’s Investment Authority Allocates $260 Mln to Support Muscat Stock Exchange

Muscat Stock Exchange (Omani News Agency)
Muscat Stock Exchange (Omani News Agency)

The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) announced the allocation of 100 million Omani riyals (about $260.8 million) to support the Muscat Stock Exchange through the Liquidity Fund initiative, which is launched by the body in cooperation with the National Program for Financial Sustainability and Financial Sector Development.

Aown bin Abbas al Bahrani, director general of public markets investment at the OIA, said that the Liquidity Fund Initiative is a portfolio worth 100 million Omani riyals to support market-makers and liquidity providers on the Muscat Stock Exchange.

He added that the new initiative reflects the priorities of Oman’s Vision 2040 and falls within the framework of efforts aimed at strengthening the Muscat Stock Exchange, achieving sustainable growth, enhancing investor attractiveness, and increasing their confidence in the market.

The expansion of the Muscat Stock Exchange through the primary or secondary public offerings was among the goals of the OIA’s exit plan that was announced last year. The OIA’s exit from two state-owned firms resulted in the listing of the Pearl Real Estate Investment Fund and Abraaj Energy Services on the MSX.

Meanwhile, the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, participated in the third edition of the Oman-Switzerland Business Forum, which aims to strengthen the role of the private sector, achieve economic diversification and financial sustainability and attract foreign investment.

The forum was organized by the Oman-Switzerland Friendship Association and the Advisory Organization for the Swiss Export and Investment Program in Lucerne, under the theme of “Opportunities for Investment and Cooperation in Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Tourism”.

In a speech on the occasion, Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Transport Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, outlined the business advantages offered by the infrastructure sector in Oman, mainly investment opportunities in the field of transport and logistics.

 



Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
TT

Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo

The Spanish government has given the green light to Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator, STC Group, to raise its stake in Telefonica beyond 5% and reach 9.97%, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Thursday.

Cuerpo confirmed an earlier report by El Pais newspaper during a news conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting in which the stake increase was approved, Reuters reported.

"Measures and conditions have been set and accepted voluntarily by the Saudi company to ensure that (the operation) takes place," Cuerpo told reporters.

He said the government's decision followed an "exhaustive analysis based not only on compliance with current legislation but also to guarantee the national interest in defense and ensure the strategic element in telecommunications".

Last year, STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder.

The Saudi group said at the time it owned a 4.9% stake in Telefonica and financial instruments giving it another 5% in what it called economic exposure to the company.

The Spanish government had to authorize the deal as Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company.

The Saudi company has said it does not intend to gain control of or a majority stake in Telefonica.