Remarks by Ambassador Mohammed Salim Alharthy of Oman in Seoul

The Sultanate of Oman is celebrating its 47th National Day on Nov 18, 2017. On this occasion the people of Oman reiterate their allegiance to Sultan Qaboos, architect of the country’s rebirth march. Their proclamation of allegiance is associated with profound feelings of love, gratitude, appreciation and loyalty to Sultan Qaboos, whose wise leadership developed a modern state established on solid foundations of equality, civilized citizenship, rule of the law. The Sultan put the country on the right track for progress and growth which benefits all citizens.
On this auspicious day, the Omani people ponder over the achievements made in the past 47 years. The efforts of the Sultan, coupled with the resourcefulness of the people molded the country into the exact honorable shape that the Sultan had envisioned and planned for—an oasis of peace and prosperity that abounds with all means of dignified life.

HM Sultan Qaboos of the Sultanate of Oman

With the march of Oman’s Renaissance entering its 48th year in full confidence and looking forward to a bright future, the Sultanate of Oman is planning to carry out many major projects meant to diversify the economy, develop sources of revenues and increase employment opportunities for the national manpower. These include oil refining and petrochemical projects, industrial, tourism and fisheries projects in Duqm that are expected to be completed in 2019. Beside other projects in the petrochemicals sector and tourism projects, in addition to food security projects, fishing, aquaculture and projects in the logistics sector.
Oman economic strategy and investment opportunities are based on economic principles of openness to global markets and economic diversification. The investment opportunities and incentives offered by Oman have enabled to attract local and foreign investors. Among these advantages being security, political stability and a climate of economic freedom that permits foreigners to own projects, beside other facilities in varies industrial areas and free economic zones.

Ambassador Mohamed Salim Alharthy of Oman in Seoul

The Omani economy has been developed through a series of developmental plan; this was further reinforced in 1996 by unveiling the vision2020 of Oman.
Oman Vision 2020 seeks to provide a stable framework for the Omani economy, reduce reliance on oil, diversify sources of income, stimulate and develop the private sector, develop the country’s human resources and attract more investments.
The five-year plan focused on five main promising sectors for partnerships with the private sector, namely converting industries, logistics, tourism, mining and fisheries. The plan also required diminishing dependence of government companies on government funding of projects and, instead, seeking funding for investment projects from local and international markets in accordance with novel solutions.

Architecture in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

It is worth noting that the International Monetary Fund has hailed the smart financial measures undertaken by the Sultanate’s government to cut budget deficit, including raising the efficiency of the tax system, rationalizing current spending and making reductions in capital spending. Commenting on regional economic prospects for the Middle East and Central Asia, the IMF noted that the Sultanate is exerting great efforts to encourage foreign investment.
The industrial area and free economic zones offer facilities and incentives for investors such as tax exemptions, simplification of procedures, the free use of currencies, exemption of revenues from income tax and other features. Free zones are gateways for attracting investment as well as local and foreign capital.

Matrah City

For instance Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZAD ) includes the port of Duqm and a ship repair dry dock. SEZAD offers a variety of incentives to investors. These include a 30-year income tax exemption (renewable), exemption from customs tax for goods imported to the SEZAD from abroad and for goods exported from SEZAD, a 50-year land development (usufruct) right, also renewable, and it is also allowed that the full capital of a project is owned by a non-Omani entity. Investors get all sorts of permits, clearance and approvals through the SEZAD’s one-stop-shop that offers various incentives to SEZAD investors.
The foreign policy of Oman is based on building bridges of friendship and to extend cooperation and good relations to other states on the solid ground of mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs. Oman is adopting an approach based on values of peace, co-existence, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation, as well as respect for principles of justice and equality. Oman is an advocate of settlement of disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with United Nations Charter and rules of the International Law with the prime aim of fostering confidence, mutual respect and good neighborliness in a manner that safeguards for nations their security, stability and prosperity.

Matrah City

Oman spares no effort in fostering peace, security and stability in its surroundings and its benign efforts and endeavors succeeded many times in rapprochement of views and overcoming disputes between sisterly and friendly states in the region and beyond. These policies have earned Oman respect and admiration of the international community.
Oman-Korea relations date back more than a thousand years, when Omani merchants met their Korean counterparts on their way to China during Shilla dynasty way back during Silk Road. In modern times, Oman-Korea diplomatic relations was established in 1974. Since then, Oman-Korea relations witnessed a remarkable development in various fields and the trade volume has increased and even expected to double in the coming years due to large engagements and investment opportunities and partnership between Oman and Korea.
Korea is regarded a major trading partner of Oman, and both countries engage in numerous economical exchanges and cooperation. Oman provides large quantities of oil and LNG to Korea. On the other hand, Korea exports many industrial products, including automobiles, vessels, hi-tech electronics and electric goods to Oman.

Albustan Palace Hotel

Moreover, many Korean companies such as GS, LG, Daewoo, Hyundai, Doosan, Hanjin, Dealim POSCO, and others are contributing to the development of Omani infrastructure and other major projects. Recently Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co. and Samsung Engineering Co. clinched a contract worth a combined $4.75 billion from Duqm Refinery & Petrochemical Industries Company LLC in Duqm economic free zone. To reflect the strong ties, an exchange visit from both sides has taken place. Oman also very often participate in most international events and conferences which take place in Korea throughout the year
The potential of cooperation between Oman and Korea is wide and spacious. Sultanate of Oman welcomes the Korean investments particularly in the field of industries, tourism, logistics, mining and fisheries, as well as, technology, health care, education, energy, water, environment, and renewable energy. In addition, the area of cooperation is widely opened to enter into many joint ventures projects and investment whether in Oman or in Korea or any other country, and it is hoped that the private sector will play a major role in this partnership.

Mutrah Cornich

In that, we would like to invite Korean companies to take the opportunity to participate in these projects and investments. The embassy is keen on providing support and cooperation to Korean companies and looks forward their participation and presence in Oman.
In closing, On the occasion of the 47th National day of Oman, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Korean people and government for their cooperation, kindness, generosity and hospitality they have extended to us since our arrival in this great and beautiful country. Thanks and appreciation also extended to the sponsor and The Korea Post who have made this supplement possible.

‘Green Mountain’ which is 3000 meters high.

Last but not least, I would like to invite the Korean people to visit Oman, explore the heritage and culture, tourism land marks beside the beautiful geological landscape and adventure. I’d like also to invite the Korean companies to participate in the investment opportunities of various projects. I’m confident that our relations and cooperation in the coming years will witness further enhancement and development. Ultimately, my heartfelt wishes to Korea to further success and progress and for the Oman-Korea relation further development and prosperity.

Nature--Falaj

Oman at a glance

Country

Sultanate of Oman

Capital

Muscat

Area

309,500 sqm with a costal line extends for 1700 km

Population

4.5 m

Location

Located in the south eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It shares borders with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the west, the Republic of Yemen in the south, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and Oman Sea from the east, with a costal line which extends for 1700 km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north to the borders of the Republic of Yemen, and overlooks three seas - the Arabian Gulf, Oman Sea and the Arabian Sea

Language

Arabic, (English is widespread)

Currency

Omani Rial = US $ 2.60

Climate

Moderate and cool during winter, hot during summer, cool in southern part of Oman

Government

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is the head of country – Council of ministers, other councils and institution including state council , Shra council and others.

Economy

Based on Oil and gas beside mineral, agriculture, tourism, fisheries and focus on economic diversification to include manufacturing, mining, logistics, etc

History

Oman deep history goes back to 5000 years, and strategically located between the east and west is a major part for being trade route. Therefore, Oman enjoyed an active relationship with the civilizations of the ancient world, as well as, being a vital transit point on the East-West Silk Route.

Heritage and culture

Oman enjoys rich heritage and culture and traditional lifestyle in almost every aspect of life . Oman's heritage features a prominent sea-faring tradition and there are number of UNESCO-classified World Heritage with more than 500 castles and forts.The Royal Orchestra of Oman is considered one of the best worldwide and the recently Royal Opera House has been opened as an example of appreciation of Art. Oman exerts tangible efforts in enhancing the concept of coexistence and tolerance. Oman also is known as the land of the legendary the Sindbad the sailor and the country of Luban, the “frankincense”.

Religion

Islam. Oman is a country of multi culture and multi religion. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in Oman

Tourism

Oman is a beautiful country with many appealing sites and destinations. Oman has deep history, unique heritage and rich culture. Enjoy numerous tourist attractions including forts and castles, unique geological structure and landscape, archaeological sites, traditional markets, stunning natural beauty and beaches, a wide variety of different types of terrain-combination of mountains, sea and desert

Landscape: Irrigation system
Surrounding areas of the Albustan Palace Hotel
Natural landscape in the Bladsait City
Nature--Almisfah-Alhamra

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