Muscat – The chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Wednesday appreciated the government’s measures to reduce fees of 288 government services, which will be effective starting from the first quarter of 2023.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance announced that 288 government services fees will be reduced in the second phase of the implementation of the Government Services Pricing Guide, including fees of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Environment Authority, the municipal councils, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.

Faisal al Rawas, chairman of OCCI, informed that reducing services fees will incentivise the facilities provided by the government to the business sector and that the move represents a qualitative step to stimulate the national economy.

“It is an important addition to the elements of investment attraction in Oman,” he said. “These decisions to support the private sector and attract foreign investment reflect the keen interest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. His keen interest is also reflected in Oman Vision 2040 and its pillars that empower the private sector and focus on achieving economic diversification.”

Rawas stressed that the private sector appreciates these efforts at all levels; the decision represents support for the private sector to carry out its business by reducing financial and administrative burdens.

He invited the private sector and business owners to take advantage of this incentive and contribute to strengthening the national economy.