Muscat – The meeting was held to follow up on the implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 412/2023, aimed at curbing illicit commercial activities in Oman.

During the session, the team conducted a detailed review of the results from the initial desk audit. The findings demonstrated significant progress in monitoring and identifying illegal commercial activities carried out by some establishments involved in hidden trade practices, particularly those prohibited for foreign investors. The team emphasised that these results reflect a clear commitment to addressing these illegal practices, which negatively impact the business environment in the Sultanate of Oman.

The meeting also discussed ways to improve inspection procedures and ensure that commercial records comply with applicable laws and regulations to prevent them from engaging in illegal commercial activities classified as covert trade.

The national team affirmed its commitment, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, to continue implement a comprehensive plan to combat hidden trade, ensuring a fair and attractive commercial environment for local and foreign investment. This will enhance opportunities for sustainable growth, preserve consumer rights, and limit unfair competition in the market.

Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce and Head of the National Team, underscored the crucial role of coordination between public and private entities in identifying commercial violations. She noted that the team is working on the next phase to enhance this cooperation by developing oversight tools and implementing joint awareness campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the risks of illegal trade and its impact on competitiveness and investment.

Mohammed bin Salem Al Hashemi, Director of the Commercial Establishments Control Department and Head of the Technical Team, stated that the upcoming phase will also include an expansion of the audit’s geographic reach to cover more governorates, while involving all relevant government and economic sectors.

The initiative is aligned with Oman’s efforts to promote a transparent and attractive investment climate. The decision to combat hidden trade supports the objectives of the Foreign Capital Investment Law by outlining procedures for foreign company registration and specifying the requirements and timelines for obtaining necessary permits and approvals for investment-related activities.

The national team comprises representatives from multiple entities, including the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Information through the Government Communication Centre, the Tax Authority, the Central Bank of Oman, the Royal Oman Police, the Consumer Protection Authority, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion issued Ministerial Resolution No. (412/2023) regarding combating hidden trade, in cooperation with a number of government agencies, to limit hidden trade in the Sultanate of Oman and its economic and social repercussions on business owners and society, and in response to successive appeals from citizens over the past years to stop this phenomenon.