Latest news with #Nasra
Observer
14-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Omani industrial exports to Saudi Arabia surge to RO 1.618 billion
MUSCAT: Omani industrial exports rose by 8.6 per cent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2025, reaching RO 1.618 billion, up from RO 1.49 billion in the same period of 2024. According to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in May, the growth reflects the Sultanate of Oman's strengthening industrial footprint in regional markets, particularly Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia saw a 28.3 per cent increase in imports of Omani industrial goods, reaching RO 259 million—highlighting the deepening economic ties and rising demand for Omani products in the Kingdom. Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, attributed the growth to the efforts of the Economy, Trade and Industry Committee under the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council. "This committee has focused on easing trade barriers, harmonising customs procedures, enhancing border transit, and digitally linking the two countries' trade systems," she explained. A key development has been the use of the Rub' al-Khali border crossing, now a vital commercial artery facilitating the smooth flow of goods and services between the two nations. The committee is also advancing cooperation in areas such as intellectual property, e-commerce, competition, and export development. Nasra noted that Saudi Arabia is now Oman's second-largest trading partner within the Gulf region. She emphasised Oman's openness to increased Saudi investment, especially in special economic and free zones that offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and attractive incentives—aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030. Mazen bin Humaid al Siyabi, Assistant Director General at the Directorate General of Industry, noted that there has been marked progress in industrial cooperation between the two countries, with joint meetings, workshops, and investor engagements intensifying over the past year. He said that 'priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and supply chains have seen notable growth in collaboration, laying the groundwork for industrial integration and shared innovation.' The Ministry's focus on diversifying markets, boosting productivity, and enhancing competitiveness is bearing fruit, he added, positioning Oman's industrial sector as a key driver of economic diversification. — ONA
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
British tourist to be deported from Israel
A British tourist is facing deportation from Israel after allegedly entering a closed military area and threatening security forces, Israeli authorities say. Janet Adyeri, 35, who was named by Israeli media, was detained in the Southern Hebron Hills area in the occupied West Bank on Monday. After being questioned she was found to have posted anti-Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sentiments on social media and to belong to an organisation calling for the boycott of Israel, police said. Israel's immigration authority said Adyeri would be kept in a detention centre, and is expected to be deported within the next 24 hours. According to Israeli police, Adyeri "violated public order by refusing to identify herself to the forces and threatening a settlement security coordinator". Following an investigation at the Central Unit of Judea and Samaria, Ayderi was brought before a judge, police said. Adyeri's lawyer Riham Nasra said her client was not interrogated about her social media posts or making threats. She told Israeli media she was only "questioned regarding her entry into a closed military zone, and that's it." Nasra said added Adyeri only refused to identify herself when asked by a plainclothes soldier. She presented identification to uniformed soldiers later on. According to Israeli media, Nasra disputes Adyeri was brought before a judge, as police claimed. She was taken straight to a hearing at the Population and Immigration Authority in Ramle, where her deportation was decided upon, Nasra said. The BBC has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment. After the incident, Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said anyone "who acts against the State of Israel will find an aggressive police presence. The games are over," in a post on X. Last month, two Labour MPs were denied entry to Israel while on a trip to the occupied West Bank. Israel's population and immigration authority said this was because they intended to "spread hate speech".
Muscat Daily
03-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman penalises 410 firms in crackdown on hidden trade
Muscat – The National Team to Combat Hidden Trade has conducted audits in 581 commercial companies in the governorates of Muscat, Dhofar and North Batinah, resulting in administrative penalties on 410 establishments found in violation of trade regulations. The inspections were part of an ongoing government campaign to tackle illegal commercial practices and strengthen the business environment in the sultanate. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), 77 companies complied with audit requirements by submitting supporting documents, including bank statements and lease contracts. The overall response rate stood at 13.2%. The three governorates were selected due to their high volume of commercial records – 20,244 in Muscat, 16,094 in North Batinah and 10,290 in Dhofar. Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP and Head of the National Team, said the campaign is focused on combating unauthorised trade activities and enhancing economic integrity. 'Our goal is to address the misuse of licences and professions, raise confidence in the economic system, and boost tax revenues,' she said. She noted that 106 types of commercial activities are subject to supervision, including those prohibited for foreign investment, with the exception of 20 specific activities. The campaign is being implemented in line with Ministerial Decision No 412/2023. Hidden trade is defined as any commercial activity conducted without proper authorisation under Omani law, whether by individuals or in partnership. The effort involves coordination with several entities, including the Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Labour, Consumer Protection Authority, Central Bank of Oman, Tax Authority, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. 'Hidden trade distorts the labour market, increases commercial fraud, creates unfair competition for entrepreneurs, and results in tax evasion,' Nasra said. She added that the national team carries out field visits, reviews complaints, evaluates company compliance, and issues recommendations based on ongoing oversight. The team also receives performance reports from its technical wing and suggests new sectors that require regulation.
