MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Tuesday issued 28 Royal Decrees which saw the merging of 10 ministries. Through the Decree, five councils were abolished and new ministers were also appointed to spearhead Oman’s 2040 vision.

But why did His Majesty restructure the state’s administrative apparatus and merged the ministries? In a statement issued by the Government Communication Centre (GC) said it will avoid duplication of specialisations and will help to organise sectors with clear objectives “and fix responsibilities for each sector in harmony with the standards set by Oman Vision 2040.”

According to GC, the merger will help to drive for more flexible and efficient government. “The restructuring will raise the level of efficiency of government performance compared to the current spending of the state’s general budget, to create a more stimulating environment for doing business and to attract investment, to achieve development that is more focused at the governorate level, to enhance the Sultanate’s indicators in government performance and e-government and to create stimulating work environments for employees,” GC added.