MUSCAT : These initiatives are part of the Authority’s broader strategy to enhance investor services and standardize the incentives and benefits available across these zones.

Dr. Saeed bin Khalifa Al Quraini, Director General of the Investment Development Sector at OPAZ, highlighted the Authority’s ongoing efforts to refine methods for attracting investors and bolstering the business environment. This initiative reflects the Authority’s commitment to fostering foreign investments and supporting the growth of local enterprises in these designated zones.

One of the key initiatives is the introduction of advanced e-services. The Central Platform for Investor Services, recently awarded, will offer government and operational e-services through a modernized system that aligns with global best practices. This platform aims to streamline project establishment, enhance service efficiency, and boost investor competitiveness.

The digital shift has enabled investors to complete over 80 services electronically, significantly enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Dr. Al Quraini explained that there will be increased collaboration with specialists at the ‘Invest in Oman’ hall, aimed at strengthening the hall’s role in attracting strategic investments. Additionally, the Authority plans to promote investment opportunities through local and international events and leverage specialized communication tools.

It is pertinent to note that OPAZ has organized workshops this year to discuss investor challenges, share experiences, and explore ways to increase investment in targeted sectors. These workshops facilitate dialogue among investment development specialists and aim to improve mechanisms for handling investment requests.

Dr. Al Quraini stated that these initiatives enabled investors to obtain licenses for their projects within just 15 minutes. The year 2023 also witnessed the setting of fees for more than 80 services in various areas supervised by the Authority. According to this initiative, fees for most services were reduced, and the reduction rate in some services reached 90 percent of the previous fee, in addition to reducing fees provided to small and medium enterprises by 50 percent of the new fees. This initiative came after a study conducted by the Authority to re-engineer investment procedures.

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