As the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) prepares for the elections to its Board of Directors, business tycoons from Oman are seeking larger participation of business leaders in the polls that may enhance the contribution of more people to Oman’s growth story.

‘The Royal Decree (No. 56/2022) regarding the elections of the OCCI Board of Directors emphasised the fact that OCCI is the official representative of the private sector,’ a press release said, stressing the point that ‘the Royal Decree gave everyone the right to participate in this important democratic event in a way that ensures the success of this process and achieves its future goals’.

The Decree (No 56/2022) on the OCCI System is an evidence that the sultanate is moving steadily towards achieving Oman Vision 2040 goals following themes namely ‘Man and Society’, ‘Economy and Development’.

‘With regard to ‘Economy and Development’ theme, the sultanate has been keen to enhance the participation of the private sector in the economic growth and development by giving it the opportunity to express its voice, views and proposals and communicate them through the right channels to decision-makers,’ the press release added.

An individual seeking entry as a candidate ‘should be an Omani national except for those nominating for membership of the OCCI Board from among the representatives of public shareholding companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange, and foreign investors holding investor residency’.

‘The candidate should have been a member of OCCI for a period of no less than five years. Other conditions include that the age is not less than (30) thirty Gregorian years, and he should not be an employee in one of the units of the state’s administrative apparatus and other public legal persons, or a paid worker in the private sector inside or outside Oman – with the exception of the nominees from among CEOs in public shareholding companies.’

OCCI new system also states that in order for the registered member to cast his vote at OCCI election, he must have paid OCCI annual subscription fees and should have at least one Omani worker at his company, or be a holder of a Riyada card from the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

The legislator defined the OCCI roles and responsibilities which include proposing the general strategy regulating the activities of the private sector, setting the necessary plans which should be in line with the general policy of the state, expressing opinion on the legislation regulating private sector activities and other economic legislations before issuance, submitting proposals for amending the laws in force, and referring proposals related to the development of the commercial, industrial and economic sectors to the concerned authorities.

OCCI’s roles also include preparing studies, research and reports concerned with evaluating and developing the performance of various commercial, industrial and economic sectors, diagnosing problems, identifying challenges, building strategic partnerships with universities and research centers to develop all sectors, and encouraging registered members to participate in conferences, workshops, seminars and related courses organized by OCCI or governmental or non-governmental agencies. The roles also include seeking to amicably settle commercial disputes that may arise among OCCI members.

“The Decree (No. 56/2022) issuing the OCCI system came with fundamental changes that serve the private sector and enhance its participation in the economic development of the Sultanate of Oman. This includes changing OCCI Board of Directors membership composition,” said Sheikh Salem bin Ahmed al Ghazali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Golden Group Holding.

“The Royal Decree stated that the membership of the OCCI Board of Directors shall be five members from the Governorate of Muscat, ten chairmen of OCCI branches in addition to five members representing the public joint stock companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange and one member representing foreign investors holding an investor residence permit. These fundamental changes support the private sector and enhance its influence in decision-making,” Ghazali added.

“We hope that this election process will bring positive results that achieve the goal behind these changes and contribute to activating OCCI’s roles in the socioeconomic development process taking place in the sultanate,” he concluded.

Sheikh Ali bin Hamad bin Saif al Kalbani of Al Kalbani Group underlined the significance of the OCCI elections in boosting the country’s economic growth.

“The OCCI elections enhance and complement the elections of the Shura Council and the municipal councils,” said Kalbani, the Chairman of the Al Kalbani Group’s Board of Directors.

The sultanate is preparing to organise a democratic economic event in all governorates – the elections for the OCCI Board of Directors and its branches in the governorates.

“This democratic event is expected to play a major role in accelerating economic growth and progress and contribute to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

“These elections are an opportunity for all companies and institutions to cast their vote, ensuring that we have qualified and efficient members at OCCI’s Board of Directors. These elections also guarantee an honourable representation of the private sector at the local and international forums,” Kalbani added.