Muscat – To enhance collaboration between investors and authorities, and explore potential avenues for foreign investment, the Omani British Friendship Association (OBFA) recently organised a roundtable discussion focused on the business environment and investment opportunities within Oman.

The event, held at the residence of the British Ambassador to Oman, brought together OBFA directors and members, distinguished Omani business leaders, and foreign investors who are actively engaged in Oman’s dynamic economic landscape. H E Dr Liane Saunders OBE, the UK Ambassador to Oman, Saleh al Zakwani, Chairman of OBFA, Haifa al Khaifi, Secretary-General of OBFA, and Abdul Redha Sultan, Board Director of OBFA, were present during the roundtable discussion.

Moderated by two senior officials, Cristiano Rizzi and Szabolcs Markovszky from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the session featured a presentation highlighting key findings from BCG’s research on Oman’s business and investment environment. Drawing on their extensive research, the BCG representatives presented major themes that outlined the strengths and areas of opportunity in Oman’s business landscape.

The panel discussion saw active participation from all attendees, including OBFA directors and members, prominent businesspersons, and investors from the UK. The panel delved into diverse topics, including Oman’s logistics and transportation infrastructure, investment incentives, energy transition, renewable energy initiatives, and ambitious green hydrogen projects. The participants also addressed crucial topics such as labour policies, Omanisation, and presented valuable insights and recommendations aimed at fortifying the sultanate’s business environment.

The roundtable discussion aimed at identifying areas for enhancement in Oman’s business climate, ease of doing business, and strategies for communicating investment opportunities and procedures effectively to the world. The open exchange of ideas culminated in a consensus that Oman has already established world-class infrastructure and business-friendly policies and incentives, effectively attracting foreign direct investment.

The insights and recommendations from this OBFA roundtable meeting will be documented and shared with relevant government authorities. Some of the recommendations include strategies to refine Oman’s business environment, streamline investment procedures, and effectively communicate investment opportunities and processes to potential investors.