2 days ago
Minister of Labour meets business leaders in Salalah to strengthen private sector partnership
SALALAH: Oman's Minister of Labour, Dr. Mahad bin Said Baaouin, met with business owners and investors in Salalah on Wednesday to discuss strategies for building a sustainable labor market and advancing private sector growth in line with Oman Vision 2040.
The meeting, held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment on the sidelines of the second edition of the Labour Forum, brought together entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, and investors from Dhofar Governorate.
In his remarks, Dr. Baaouin highlighted the ministry's efforts to modernise labor market tools, streamline regulations, and expand support to private sector institutions. He stressed that the ministry's employment initiatives, developed in partnership with employers, aim to match market needs with the skills of Omani jobseekers through targeted training and innovation-led projects.
'The next stage requires us to accelerate our efforts, integrate public and private sector capabilities, and ensure stability in the labour market to keep pace with global changes,' he said, adding that SMEs, artificial intelligence, and innovation will be central to economic growth.
Business leaders raised issues affecting their operations, including administrative procedures, Omanisation requirements in certain sectors, and the need for greater flexibility in recruitment and workforce development.
Discussions also covered opportunities to expand existing projects, attract investment, and strengthen training programmes for national cadres.
The minister emphasised the importance of Dhofar's rapidly expanding private sector, particularly in tourism, which is witnessing strong growth during the Khareef season. He also acknowledged the role of SMEs in job creation and local economic diversification.
The Labour Forum serves as a national platform for dialogue between government, business, and academia. This year's edition focuses on aligning human capital development, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification with Oman Vision 2040's strategic objectives.
