MUSCAT : In implementation of the Royal directives of His Majesty the Sultan to allocate RO 10 million for each governorate during the 10th Five Year Plan (2021-2025), the Ministry of Economy today organized a meeting with governors to discuss the “Governorates Development Programme”.

As part of the programme, the sum will be expended at a rate of RO 2 million each year to spur the economy of each governorate as a minimum developmental ceiling.  

 Dr. Nassir Rashid Al Maawali, Economy Undersecretary, said that the Governorates Development Programme, initiated by the Ministry, seeks to empower governorates, contribute to the process of decentralization and achieve domestic development in a balanced manner.

 A visual display presented by Said Rashid Al Qatabi, Director-General of Social Sectors at the Ministry outlined the Governorates Development Programme. During the screening, Al Qatabi reviewed parameters to be considered when implementing the programme.

 A similar display was presented by Intisar Abdullah Al Wahaibi, Director-General of Planning at the Economy Ministry. She spoke about the strategic programmes of priority in developing governorates and sustainable cities within the 10th Five Year Plan.

Towards the conclusion of the meeting, the governors exchanged views about the programme and reiterated the significance of drafting annual plans for the respective governorates. They also discussed some proposals to address challenges facing the governorates during the programme’s implementation.

The meeting was attended by Abdullah Salim Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance and Sayyid Khalifa Al Murdas Al Busaidy, Secretary-General of Governorates’ Affairs, among other officials.