Latest news with #MubarakbinMohammedalDohani
Observer
a day ago
- 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.
Muscat Daily
05-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's intensified digitalisation driving economic transformation
Muscat – Oman is intensifying efforts to digitalise business processes and attract investment by expanding the use of smart digital platforms, aimed at streamlining services, boosting local industries and enhancing the country's competitiveness. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has introduced a range of platforms supporting investors, entrepreneurs and exporters. These include Oman Business, Invest in Oman, Oman Exports, Made in Oman, Hazm, and Maroof Oman. At the core of this initiative is the Oman Business platform, which enables electronic registration, licensing, intellectual property services, and the management of commercial agencies. The platform integrates with 17 government entities and exchanges data with 35 others, making business procedures more efficient. Since April 2021, over 328,000 automatic licences have been issued, with 89% of commercial activities now licensed without prior approvals. Foreign investors can register and operate via the platform without a residence card, thanks to a facial recognition system that verifies identity using over 140 biometric data points. A simulation tool under the 'Investment Guide' also helps new investors understand the licensing process. The Invest in Oman platform, launched in February 2023, has already received 90 investment applications valued at RO5.38bn. Of these, 43 projects have been localised in key sectors, including health, food security and renewable energy, with a total value of RO2.25bn. The Made in Oman platform promotes local products by awarding the official logo to qualifying manufacturers. Over 5,000 products from 380 factories have been certified since February 2024. The platform connects SMEs to procurement opportunities and strengthens local supply chains. Oman's e-commerce strategy is also gaining ground. The Maroof Oman platform authenticates online stores, boosting consumer trust and growing digital sales. Since its inception, it has seen a 236% increase in registered stores. The ministry has also launched Hazm, a quality assurance platform, listing products that require conformity certificates and linking them with accredited bodies. So far, 333 certificates and nearly 3,800 energy efficiency cards have been issued. To support exporters, the Oman Exports platform – described as the world's first interactive platform dedicated to exporting – provides digital marketing and matchmaking tools for local manufacturers seeking entry into global markets. The Sanad Service Centres network complements these efforts, having completed over 872,000 electronic transactions in 2024 across nearly 920 centres. The network has created more than 2,300 jobs, with women comprising 60% of its workforce. Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani According to Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director General of Planning at the ministry and Head of the Digital Transformation Team, the platforms are integral to Oman's shift to a knowledge-based economy. He noted that the ministry has fully implemented three e-commerce initiatives outlined in a national plan prepared in line with UNCTAD guidelines. He said digital platforms will serve as 'smart growth engines', enabling the localisation of technology, stimulating innovation, and equipping young Omanis to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Oman continues to monitor the performance of these platforms, tracking licence issuances and growth in listed products. Dohani noted that linking platforms to inspection and certification processes helps raise product standards and boost confidence among consumers.
