Sultan of Oman Stresses Private Sector’s Role, Alongside Government, in Employing Citizens

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)
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Sultan of Oman Stresses Private Sector’s Role, Alongside Government, in Employing Citizens

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman emphasized the role of the private sector in creating job opportunities for Omanis, urging businesses to make use of the economic incentives provided by the government to support local employment.
During a meeting on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of small and medium enterprises, and startup representatives, Sultan Haitham affirmed that addressing unemployment is the top priority for the government.
He underscored the private sector’s responsibility to join efforts with the government in providing employment, training, and development for citizens by leveraging government incentives, programs, and initiatives aimed at supporting the private sector.
Discussing the banking sector, he highlighted its importance as a “cornerstone of modern economies and a key player in economic growth and shaping the business environment.”
The Sultan also pointed to the adoption of the national policy on local content, which aims to enhance the competitiveness and growth of the national economy. He stressed the importance of the private sector’s role in advancing this policy by localizing industries, prioritizing local products in purchasing and tenders, thereby creating job opportunities for Omanis, reducing import dependence, boosting exports, and increasing the GDP.
Sultan Haitham reviewed Oman’s financial and economic performance, noting the positive outcomes achieved through effective government-private sector partnerships. These partnerships have contributed to GDP growth and the continued improvement of Oman’s credit rating, which in turn enhances business and investor confidence, creating an attractive investment climate that supports the growth of various economic sectors.
He also called for strengthened partnerships between the government and private sector to ensure a favorable environment for investment and local economic development.
Sultan Haitham commended the efforts of the Financial and Economic Committee in the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
In coordination with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, these entities hold regular meetings with business leaders and investors to continuously address the challenges facing the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, and work towards viable solutions.

 

 

 



Saudi PIF to be Anchor Investor in Brookfield Middle East Partners

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi PIF to be Anchor Investor in Brookfield Middle East Partners

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will be an anchor investor in Brookfield Asset Management's new $2 billion Middle East-focused private fund, the companies announced on Wednesday.

A non-binding agreement for the PIF to back the new Middle East fund was signed with the Canadian asset management firm at the Kingdom's flagship investment summit taking place in Riyadh.

At least half of the capital is to be invested in Saudi Arabia and in international companies that are looking to expand in the Kingdom, the companies said in a joint statement.

The investment platform, known as Brookfield Middle East Partners (BMEP), will target $2 billion from a range of investors and intends to focus on buyouts and structured solutions, among other investment opportunities in the region.