Latest news with #IndustryandInvestmentPromotion
Muscat Daily
16 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar officials discuss challenges to plastic bag ban with manufacturers
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Salalah – The Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar held a joint meeting with owners of plastic manufacturing factories in cooperation with Environment Authority (EA) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Dhofar branch to address challenges surrounding the national ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. The meeting aimed to open direct dialogue with industry stakeholders, assess the current impact of the ban and explore sustainable alternatives that align with Oman's environmental goals, while supporting the continuity and adaptability of the local industrial sector. EA had announced implementation of the third phase of a national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags from July 1, 2025. The latest stage broadens the scope of the ban to include additional segments of the retail and food sectors. Shops selling fruits and vegetables, packaging units, grocery stores, sweet sho-ps, candy factories, bakeries, gift shops and outlets selling bread, pastries and confectionery will be required to stop providing single-use plastic bags and switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027. The phased rollout is designed to help businesses and consumers adapt gradually, EA stated. The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024, targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The second phase, effective from January 1, 2025, covered textiles and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors and repair services, watch shops, furniture retailers and household goods suppliers. Businesses found violating the ban face fines between RO50 and RO1,000. Repeat offences within a month result in doubled penalties.
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Social media powers rapid increase in e-commerce in Oman
Muscat – The e-commerce sector has recorded exponential growth with over 10,500 businesses licensed to operate online as of mid-July 2025. According to Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the number of e-commerce licences has grown at a compound annual rate of 191% between 2020 and 2025 fuelled largely by increased activity on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. This rapid expansion is attributed to an increasing preference for digital interaction, especially among small and medium enterprises that now rely on social media to market and sell products. The trend aligns with global shifts in consumer behaviour and is further supported by Oman's first e-commerce regulatory framework which was introduced in September 2023. Hanan bint Hamid al Jabriya, Head of E-Commerce Section in the ministry, said the regulations under Ministerial Decision No 499/2023 provide the legal basis for online businesses to operate. These include websites and social media accounts, with most popular being those dealing in perfumes, cosmetics and ready-made garments. Hanan bint Hamid al Jabriya While the sector shows promise, challenges remain. Sellers often face issues such as payment fraud, fake receipts and last-minute order cancellations. Buyers, in turn, report concerns about return policies, quality assurance and data protection. Digital security expert Dr Nasser bin Hamid al Musalhi of Mazoon College highlighted the need for stronger cyber safety measures. He warned against purchasing from unverified platforms and urged users to avoid storing payment details in browsers. 'Fraudsters often use psychological tactics like urgency and unrealistic discounts to prompt hasty payments,' he said. Malik bin Ishaq al Qarni, an online entrepreneur, said that social media was key to his business success, allowing him to reach a wide audience at low cost, showcase products instantly, engage with customers directly and build a credible brand. These factors make e-commerce faster, easier and more accessible than traditional methods. Malik bin Ishaq al Qarni Speaking of challenges, he added, 'Some customers hesitate to pay in advance due to scams they've seen online. Others cancel after placing orders, which creates logistical and financial setbacks.' Despite these hurdles, Oman's e-commerce environment is gaining traction. The National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027) aims to transform the country into a regional hub by building an advanced digital trade ecosystem. The ministry continues to tighten monitoring of online transactions and promote safer practices across social platforms. As Oman's online business community expands, the government is working to ensure regulatory and technical infrastructure keep pace, supporting both sellers and consumers in a fast-evolving marketplace.
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Construction and engineering sector workshop highlights reform priorities
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on Wednesday hosted a workshop in Muscat focusing on the regulation, governance and future development of the construction and engineering consulting sector. The session addressed major challenges faced by the industry while highlighting opportunities to drive growth. Discussions revolved around adopting a modern employment approach aligned with future aspirations, enhancing Omanisation and improving the efficiency of the national workforce. These efforts aim to strengthen the sector's competitive edge and support sustainable growth. The workshop also covered the creation of a clear employment framework for the sector and the identification of potential replacement opportunities, with special emphasis on prioritised national activities and professions. Mechanisms for calculating appropriate Omanisation rates were reviewed, alongside proposed incentives to help companies maintain stability and sustainably increase local employment. Other topics included challenges associated with direct employment and the exploration of alternatives such as 'parallel employment'. This concept involves leveraging modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to optimise operations, reduce costs and raise workplace health and safety standards. There was also a proposal to integrate new professions into the self-employment programme, aimed at expanding job opportunities for Omanis and opening new pathways for entrepreneurship in construction and engineering services. The session featured an analytical presentation containing statistical data on employment trends in the construction and engineering consulting sector. It detailed economic activity classifications and the sector's contribution to GDP. The event was attended by Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, as well as members of the Reference Committee comprising representatives from relevant public and private entities. — ONA
Observer
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Several legal measures taken against hidden trade
MUSCAT: Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, met on Tuesday at the Ministry's headquarters with a number of entrepreneurs working in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector. The meeting addressed key challenges facing workshop owners and businesses in this vital sector, including unfair competition under the guise of concealed trade. The ministry confirmed that it has taken several legal measures against violating companies by implementing the first phase of Ministerial Decision No 412/2023 on combating concealed trade, which covered the governorates of Muscat, Dhofar and Al Batinah North. The second phase of the decision will be rolled out in the coming period. The discussion also touched on challenges related to obtaining land usufruct rights for conducting economic activities in vehicle repair and maintenance, as well as financing difficulties for projects in this sector, including personal and housing loans for entrepreneurs. The importance of digitising all government services was also highlighted. Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director-General of Planning at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasised that the meeting aligns with the ministry's policy of opening direct dialogue channels with economic activity owners. He noted that the vehicle repair and maintenance sector represents a key link in the value chain of Oman's automotive market, offering vast opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment. Data released by the Information and Statistics Department at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion indicates that the number of licensed companies in vehicle repair and maintenance activities exceeded 13,500 by June 2025, distributed across various governorates of Oman. Muscat Governorate leads with 3,690 establishments, followed by Al Batinah North (2,226 establishments) and Dhofar (1,941 establishments). The data also reveals that the most common activities are vehicle electrical repair (3,651 establishments), vehicle mechanics (2,363 establishments) and oil change services (1,441 establishments). Meanwhile, full Omani ownership accounts for over 95% in most of these activities. This meeting is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs and foster a flexible, fair business environment that keeps pace with market developments and supports the commercial aspirations of Omani citizens.
Observer
12-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman ramps up intellectual property protection to foster innovation
MUSCAT: Oman's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has reaffirmed that intellectual property (IP) plays a key role in advancing economic and scientific development. The protection of IP rights is seen as vital for stimulating innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, in line with Oman Vision 2040. In 2024 and the first half of 2025, the National Intellectual Property Office saw a notable rise in IP registrations: 1,253 patent applications, 19,884 trademark applications, 48 industrial design applications, and 246 copyright filings. This reflects growing awareness of IP's importance in safeguarding rights and supporting the business ecosystem. Eng Amjad bin Yasser al Zakwani, patent examiner. The increase is attributed to streamlined digital services, regulatory reforms, and awareness campaigns. Patent applications cover key sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, AI, robotics, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting national innovation priorities. Patent examiner Eng Amjad bin Yasser al Zakwani said the innovation culture is growing rapidly, and urged innovators to register their ideas via digital platforms to ensure economic value and legal protection. He also noted that the Ministry is working to build public-private partnerships, expand awareness programmes, and offer incentives to strengthen Oman's innovation ecosystem. — ONA
