logo
National campaign to combat human trafficking launched

National campaign to combat human trafficking launched

Observer6 days ago
The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) has launched a three-month awareness campaign (Aman) to raise community awareness of the dangers of this crime, promote a culture of prevention, support and empower victims, and consolidate aspects of local and international institutional cooperation in combating this crime.
The commemoration of this day comes within the framework of ongoing national efforts to combat human trafficking, which align with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, particularly about the human and community axis, by consolidating the values of justice and fairness, strengthening the social protection system, and enshrining the principles of the rule of law.
The launch was held in the presence of Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.
In his speech on behalf of the National Committee, Dr. Ahmed bin Taleb Al Jabri, Assistant Public Prosecutor and Deputy Chairman of the National Committee, emphasized that the campaign is not merely limited to media, but rather a sincere call to protecting human beings and their rights as per n international and national protocals.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Forum discusses impact of tech on jobs and skills
Forum discusses impact of tech on jobs and skills

Observer

time6 hours ago

  • Observer

Forum discusses impact of tech on jobs and skills

SALALAH: Oman has officially launched the 'Future of the World of Work Forum' in Salalah, marking a major milestone in national and regional efforts to prepare for fast-evolving changes in the labour market. Organised by the Ministry of Labour as part of the broader Labour Forum, the event is taking place over two days in Dhofar Governorate and brings together a wide range of experts, policymakers and academics from across Oman and the Gulf. The forum aims to generate actionable recommendations that enhance national employment strategies Held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment, the forum serves as a strategic platform to explore how economic and technological transformations are reshaping jobs, skills and employment systems. The goal is to anticipate future shifts and develop policies that equip Oman's workforce — and those across the GCC — with the tools to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. On its first day, the forum featured two major dialogue sessions addressing pressing issues facing today's labour markets. The first session, titled 'Major Transformations and the Sustainability of Labour Markets', presented three policy-driven working papers on economic transformations, employment policies focused on continuous learning, and GCC approaches to labour market sustainability. The forum aims to generate actionable recommendations that enhance national employment strategies The second session focused on education and skills under the theme 'Economic Transformations and the Future of Skills: The GCC Context.' Speakers shared insights on leading the employment ecosystem through governance models, forecasting skills needs to meet development goals and the evolving role of education policy. The forum's themes align with Oman Vision 2040 and the broader Gulf vision for inclusive, sustainable and knowledge-based economic growth. It aims to generate actionable recommendations that enhance national employment strategies and ensure regional human capital can adapt to future challenges. Running alongside the main forum is an exhibition titled 'Future Talents... Thought and Action', featuring innovative student projects from vocational colleges across Oman. This space provides young Omanis a platform to showcase their creativity and readiness for the future workforce. A special session held as part of the exhibition discussed vocational training and entrepreneurship to empower youth to take an active role in sustainable development. The 'Future of the World of Work Forum' underlines Oman's proactive commitment to preparing a resilient and future-ready workforce, capable of navigating global shifts while driving national and regional prosperity.

Oman–China strategic cooperation: Anchoring the future through people, partnership, and purpose
Oman–China strategic cooperation: Anchoring the future through people, partnership, and purpose

Observer

time16 hours ago

  • Observer

Oman–China strategic cooperation: Anchoring the future through people, partnership, and purpose

As global markets shift and geopolitical dynamics evolve, Oman and the People's Republic of China have steadily forged a partnership that exemplifies strategic foresight, economic complementarity, and cultural affinity. This evolving relationship, grounded in history and propelled by shared ambitions, has grown into one of the most significant bilateral frameworks in the region. Recent developments—most notably the Third Session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025 in Salalah—reaffirm the commitment of both nations to elevate their cooperation into a model for sustainable and diversified development. The transformation of this partnership is visible not only in its diplomatic momentum but also in the depth of its economic engagement. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China into Oman has grown remarkably, rising from RO 627 million in 2022 to RO 1.1 billion in 2023, and further reaching RO 1.3 billion in 2024. With this upward trajectory, China now ranks fourth among Oman's top FDI source countries. These figures reflect an evolving economic synergy—one that is well-aligned with Oman Vision 2040's aspirations for greater diversification, industrial sophistication, and global integration. Trade dynamics have also advanced in scope and complexity. In 2024, Oman's exports to China totaled RO 9.3 billion, making up 40% of the nation's total exports. Crude oil remained the dominant commodity at RO 9 billion, followed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at RO 110 million and methanol at RO 44 million. Conversely, Omani imports from China stood at RO 1.8 billion, accounting for 11% of total imports, and included vital infrastructure materials such as oil pipelines. With such numbers, China holds the position of Oman's fourth-largest trade partner among Arab and global nations. Yet beyond trade and investment, the true strength of the Oman–China relationship lies in its people-to-people connectivity and institutional cooperation. Partnerships do not thrive solely on numbers—they are sustained through dialogue, shared values, and collaborative learning. The forum in Salalah, held under the theme 'Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals,' was emblematic of this ethos. It brought together business leaders, experts, and institutional stakeholders to explore ways of aligning China's developmental experience with Oman's long-term vision. Importantly, the forum was not merely a ceremonial gathering; it was a platform for business-to-business engagement, project exploration, and cultural understanding. Organisations such as the Oman-China Friendship Association (OCFA) are central to cultivating this connective tissue. Acting as an enabler of cross-sector cooperation, OCFA supports initiatives that span economic, cultural, and humanitarian domains. From business forums and bilateral exhibitions to cultural programs and exchange initiatives, the association ensures that the Oman-China relationship remains vibrant at both grassroots and strategic levels. By championing informal diplomacy and trust-building efforts, OCFA helps convert high-level agreements into practical, people-centered outcomes. The private sector, in particular, stands to benefit immensely from this robust bilateral framework. Chinese investors have shown sustained interest in Oman's Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, particularly those in Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah, where joint ventures in manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy are gaining momentum. Omani firms, in turn, are increasingly exploring opportunities to tap into China's manufacturing capabilities, technology ecosystem, and vast consumer markets. This mutual engagement is not only fostering economic resilience but also expanding the industrial base of the Sultanate. One of the most promising sectors in this regard is manufacturing, which is fast becoming a cornerstone of Oman's economic diversification strategy. Over the past four years, the manufacturing sector has achieved an average growth rate of 7.3%, reaching a value of RO 3.6 billion in 2024, equivalent to 9% of Oman's GDP. Export figures from this sector are equally impressive, totaling RO 6.2 billion. Meanwhile, FDI into manufacturing surged from RO 1.7 billion in 2021 to RO 2.5 billion in 2024, and Chinese capital is expected to further catalyse this momentum. With enhanced collaboration in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and technology transfer, the sector is poised for accelerated expansion. This dynamic is further supported by Oman's strategic location at the crossroads of major global trade routes, modern logistics infrastructure, and transparent investment frameworks. As China continues its outward economic engagement—driven by the Belt and Road Initiative—Oman is well-positioned to serve as a critical link between Asia, the Gulf, East Africa, and beyond. The alignment of China's manufacturing strength with Oman's logistics potential presents a compelling value proposition for businesses on both sides. But even as the Oman-China relationship advances on commercial and strategic fronts, it is the human element that will ensure its endurance. Skills development, training programs, academic exchange, and joint innovation hubs are vital for fostering shared competencies. Thousands of Omanis have already participated in China-led capacity-building efforts, and expanding this cooperation to cover new fields—such as fintech, agritech, and AI—can build a knowledge ecosystem that supports long-term national transformation. In a time marked by uncertainty and fragmentation in the global economy, partnerships with high-growth, high-capacity economies like China are not simply desirable—they are essential. China, with a GDP exceeding USD 20 trillion and a population of 1.5 billion, offers not only market access and investment capital, but also valuable developmental experience. Oman, with its unique geographic positioning and clear national vision, offers stability, opportunity, and an open invitation for strategic collaboration. The road ahead calls for more structured cooperation—defined projects, clear timelines, and institutional partnerships that bring the private sector to the forefront. By weaving together economic opportunity with cultural understanding and human development, the Oman–China partnership is steadily laying the foundations for a prosperous, resilient, and forward-facing future.

Meeting discusses efforts to mitigate environmental disasters
Meeting discusses efforts to mitigate environmental disasters

Times of Oman

time21 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Meeting discusses efforts to mitigate environmental disasters

Muscat: The Environment Authority, during a joint meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), reviewed efforts to strengthen national measures in reducing the impact of environmental disasters and climate change. The meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing national preparedness and building capacities to address environmental and natural disasters. It also examined Oman's ongoing efforts in environmental and natural resource conservation, as well as its approach to integrating risk reduction concepts into environmental policies, urban planning, and sustainable development. Both sides emphasised the need to establish strategic partnerships, exchange expertise and successful experiences, and develop joint action plans to enhance the resilience of ecological, social, and economic systems in facing future challenges. This visit reflects Oman's commitment to strengthening its international presence and partnerships in environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and natural disaster management, in line with the objectives of "Oman Vision 2040."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store