An opportunity for the people to express their gratitude to the Sultan

Sultanate of Oman is nowadays celebrating its 46th National Day, the 18th of November anniversary. The National Day represents an opportunity for the Omani people to express their deep thanks and gratitude to the builder of modern Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. It is also an opportunity to ponder on the achievements and objectives of various types of national action.

The renaissance strategy covered all aspects of life and its outreach prevailed at all levels—on the domestic front and on external relations, thus offering Oman an admirable status among sisterly and friendly countries in this region and in the world at large.
The renaissance accomplishments are actually a source of pride for all and they are an incentive to exert more efforts to achieve further achievements.
Oman strategic location, deep-rooted history and rich heritage and culture
Sultanate of Oman is strategically located on the far southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman population about 4.4 million and has an area of 309,000 square Kilometers, with a coastline more than 3,165 Kilometers long. Oman has maritime borders on three seas: the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Oman history goes back to 5000 years ago. Its strategic location between the east and the west was 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. Oman It was also a prosperous maritime nation and established trading ports along the coast between the Arabian Gulf and East Africa and even had connection with Korea during Shilla dynasty. Oman also is known as the land of the legendary the Sindbad the sailor and the country of Luban, the “frankincense”. The southern part of Oman Salalah has been famous since ancient civilization for the camel caravan carrying luban to ancient civilizations.

Oman enjoys an unspoiled culture and traditional lifestyle in almost every aspect of life which is derived from the Islamic religion. The Omanis are a society committed to kindness, friendship, hospitality and the value of the family as the solid foundation of life. Oman has rich cultural values, Art, handicraft and Folkloric performances. There are number of UNESCO-classified World Heritage in Oman. 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 is the country of tolerance, understanding and coexistence
Sultanate of Oman exerts tangible efforts in enhancing the concept of coexistence and tolerance for which our world today is in great need more than any other time before. Oman has guaranteed religious and intellectual freedom to citizens and residents alike, acting from the view that these freedoms are human rights that cannot be confiscated by any means.
Oman holds a mobile exhibition which tours countries of the world to convey Oman experience in religious tolerance and multicultural co-existence that prevail across the spectrum of the cosmopolitan population.

The exhibition presents variety of facets of the modern society in the Sultanate of Oman by offering the visitors with insight into the practice of Islam in daily life, along with an examination of contemporary Omani society and the role of women in its society. The exhibition comprises several sections including manuscripts which date hundreds of years, tolerance panels, photo exhibition, fine and shadow arts, Arabic calligraphy, a documentary film, and modern Oman panels. Also a campaign titled "#ActForTolerance" a hash tag was launched to promote tolerance, coexistence and peace. The aim of the exhibition is to highlights various cultural aspects of Oman and spread the correct message of Islam which aims to promote tolerance, coexistence and spread the value of love and peace throughout the world. This ultimately aim is to enhance our relation and cooperation.
Since its launching in 2011 in Germany, the exhibition has toured more than 60 cities around the world. In November, 2014, the exhibition was held in Korea foundation gallery Seoul for one month organized by Oman’s Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs, the Oman embassy and Korea foundation. It was also held for one month last year in multi culture museum in Seoul and in the national park of Busan in cooperation with the Korea Arab Society and Busan University of Foreign Studies.

Role of Women in Oman
Women in Oman play an active and visible role in society. They have received encouragement and support from the government and considered as half of the society where they receive equal rights and opportunities like men. They have the right to vote and to be a member of Consultative council. Many women have jobs and work in various sectors such as government, private sectors, business, health, education, military, police and others. Today Omani women are members in the parliament, holding high ranking position in the government as minister, vice minister, General manager, ambassador; and in private sectors as CEO, engineers, and other high position in Banks and Industry.

State of Institutions
Oman is a country of institutions and law, the basic Law of the State is representing the legal frame for the society and the basic foundation of the work, role and governor of State’s institutions.
The establishment of the Council of Oman (the State council and the Majilis A’Shura “Consultative Council”) was a remarkable sign for developing the Omani consultative system. The Council of Oman consists of the State council, which H.M. appoints its members among the best Omani experiences and the A’Shura Council, which the Omani people elect their representatives from all the (Wilayat) provinces. The Council received a range of legislative and regulatory powers. All decisions in the Council of Oman are taken by majority decision
The Modern Omani Judiciary enjoyed a complete independence. This is reflecting the interest of the country and the citizen as well for more participation in decision making.

Foreign policy:
Oman foreign policy is based on building bridges of friendship and cooperation with various countries and peoples, on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, and by always standing to the side of right and justice, and non-interference in the internal affairs of others. Moreover, continuing work with the countries of the world to spread the values of love and peace, and resolve international conflicts and disputes through means of dialogue, tolerance and negotiation, in order to prevail security and stability for everyone, and enjoy the rewards of all the peoples of the earth. These policies have earned Oman respect and admiration of the international community.
Sultanate of Oman has been enhancing efforts for peace and continuously supporting peaceful initiatives in various regional disputes, working for rapprochement so that these issues could see a successful end that guarantees the intactness of countries and the interests of their peoples on the basis of participation, justice and equality.
Oman also contributed to finding and releasing foreign hostages who went missing in war zones. This is in addition to Oman’s initiatives to rescue the lives of many other people through its reception of those injured in wars and providing them with treatment.
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. This earned Oman more respect and international recognition at all levels.

Economy and Investment:
Oman enjoys stable social, political and economic system with excellent relation with neighboring countries and worldwide. The Omani economy has been developed through a series of developmental plan; this was further reinforced in 1996 by unveiling the vision2020 of Oman. This long-run plan outlines the economic and social goals of the country and sets out a framework for achieving sustainable development that further strengthen the county’s integration into the global economy. The main policies of the vision include diversification of the economy, human resource development, enhance the standard of living, expand the role of private sector, and attract foreign investments.
Oman’s banking sector, which comprises the Central Bank of Oman and a number of commercial and specialist banks, plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced financial system and ensuring economic stability.
Oman has earned top rankings in the international community on competitiveness, economic freedom, and doing business indicators, while maintaining multiple cost advantages
In the annual report of Transparency International index 2015-2016 issued by World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland), Oman won sixth place among Arab states and 62nd place in the world at large.
Oman also ranked 7th in the Arab world and 14th worldwide in the index of logistic serves for nascent markets in 2016. Oman also won second place among Arab countries and ranked 26th among world countries in the Global Food Security Index 2016 issued by the Economist magazine of Britain. This annual index covers 113 countries and indicates that Oman got 73.6 out of 100 points in the index.
Openness to the world’s markets is the cornerstone of Oman’s economic policy. Local and foreign investors are drawn to invest in Oman by a range of attractive features including strategic location, security, political stability, a free economic system that allows non-Omanis to own 100% of their projects, and no personal income tax.

Oman has long been aware of the need to diversify its sources of national income and avoid dependence on a single source, by finding alternative sources of revenue other than crude oil exports, which are subject to global price fluctuations. It has therefore been investing in industry, agriculture, fisheries and tourism, as well as other locally available natural resources. It also makes annual and long-term strategic plans that focus on economic diversification and increasing the non-oil sectors’ contribution to the country’s national income
Oman Vision 2040 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 industrial sector is a major instrument for diversifying the Omani economy, encouraging and attracting private sector and foreign investment and providing job opportunities for Omanis. The government is introducing a range of incentives and facilities for developing this sector.
The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates oversees several industrial estates for small and medium industries including Rusail Industrial Estate, Sohar Industrial Estatehe, Raysut Industrial Estate
Oman’s geographic location has helped it to attract investment and establish economic and free zones, particularly in its seaports and heavy and petrochemical industries
There are three free zones in Oman. Al-Mazyouna Free Zone, in the Governorate of Dhofar near the Yemeni border, started operations in November 1999. Salalah Free Zone, established in 2006, is managed and operated by the Salalah Free Zone Company, while Sohar Free Zone near the port of Sohar is managed and operated by the Sohar Free Zone Company.

The free 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.
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. Recently, SEZAD signed a cooperation and land development agreement for the setting up of the Oman-China Industrial City at Duqm, with its investments standing at $10.7 billion. The industrial city will accommodate 35 projects on an area of 1,172 hectares.
A major development this year (2016) was that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been entitled to enjoy a set of support procedures, including land development (usufruct) rights in accordance with the land development system.
In the context of economic diversification, the directives of Sultan Qaboos gave rise to the activation of a pioneering national programme codenamed Tanfeedh (or execution), which seeks revolutionize specific plans, programmes and policies across the various economic sectors in accordance with well-studied and executable visions, with major focus on the five main economic projects of converting industries, tourism, logistics, mining and fisheries. Tanfeedh follows up all work requirements, right from supplies through financing and employment to the labour market needs.
Within the view that the 9th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) is the last phase of the Omani economic vision (Oman 2020), it is understood that what will be achieved within the framework of Tanfeedh will constitute a solid foundation for the future and will pave the way for the next Strategic Vision (Oman 2040), which is being drafted now.

Oman tourist attraction:
Oman is a beautiful country with many appealing sites and destinations. Oman’s numerous tourist attractions include forts and castles, unique geological structure and landscape, archaeological sites, museums, traditional markets, stunning natural beauty, a wide variety of different types of terrain, climate and environment, and traditional arts and crafts. All these features, along with Oman’s rich heritage and culture and security, stability, and spirit of tolerance, make Oman an attractive destination for tourists, while its diversity provides multiple opportunities for tourists such as desert activities, water sports and visits to archeological sites and museums.
Another tourist attraction in Oman is Salalah, the southern part of Oman with its exceptional weather between June and ends in September
The months called “khareef” where monsoon rain drizzle throughout the season, the mountains, valleys and plains are cloaked in greenery and the springs overflow with water which turn the weather cool and nice while the it is hot and humid in other part of Oman and neighboring countries.

The government is working to improve the country’s tourist infrastructure by providing additional services, hotels and hotel apartments, preparing the airports and seaports to receive large numbers of tourists and establishing tourist megaprojects. These initiatives have made Oman a highly popular tourist destination.
Late reports showed that Oman has been selected by Lonely Planet among the top ten recommended places to visit in the world in 2017.

Oman-Korea relations and investment opportunities
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.
Moreover, many Korean companies such as GS, Daewoo, Hyundai, Doosan, Hanjin, Dealim POSCO, and others are contributing to the development of Omani infrastructure and other major projects. 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 Oman-Korea Joint Committee is playing a pivotal role in promoting and developing the cooperation between the two countries. The fifth round of the joint committee was held in Seoul on Nov 1-4, 2016. During this round many topics were discussed including cooperation in trade, investment, scientific fields and means of promoting them, as well as exchanging viewpoints on matters of concern to the two friendly countries. In line of the meeting Oman investment seminar was held in KCCI with attendance of many Korean companies.
The briefing highlighted various investment opportunities and incentives in Oman including the investment opportunities in Duqum free economic zone and other economic zones and industrial estates. The investment opportunities are available mainly in manufacturing, mining, tourism, healthcare, education, energy, technology and others. Also the economic zone offers many incentives including tax exemption, ownership and others.

Accordingly, 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.
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 46th 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 Korea Post who have made this supplement possible.
I would like also to take the opportunity to congratulate the Korean government and people for the achievements that have been made in various areas, which are being felt everywhere, and the role of Korea in addressing issues of local, regional and international level besides hosting international events and conferences.
Last but not least, I would like to invite the Korean people to visit Oman, explore the culture, tourism land marks, adventure and also invite the Korean companies to participate in the investment opportunities of various projects. I’m confident that our relations and cooperation in the coming days 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.