Oman Celebrates 40th Anniversary Of National Day

The following is a message contributed by Ambassador Mohamed Alharthy of the Sultanate of Oman on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of National Day of Oman ― Ed.
I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the News World for this interview and their continuous support to the diplomatic corps in Korea. It is my pleasure to brief your distinguished readers about my country Oman.
In these days of every year the Sultanate of Oman celebrates the occasion of National Day, which this year 2010 holds special significance for all Omanis as it completes 40 years of blessed renaissance under the wise leadership of H.M Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
Since 1970, Oman has witnessed prosperous, progress and modern renaissance in various aspects of life including political, social, development, health, and economy.
OMAN, HISTORY AND HERITAGE ― Oman is old as history itself, as the archaeological excavations revealed that human has settled the land of Oman before the sixth millennium B.C. There are many remains of old cities, forts, and aflaj (irrigation system in Oman like springs) witness that Oman has unique ancient heritage and civilization.
Oman has been influential maritime and political power enjoying relations with other civilization such as Pharos and Babylon and over the ages has made significant contributions to human civilization in trade and maritime.
In 1744 up to date the Albusaid dynasty ruled Oman and in 1970 H.M Sultan Qaboos came to power, since then, Oman had witnessed new dawn of modern renaissance.
ECONOMIC POLICIES AND ITS FUTURE PLANS ― Oman enjoys stable social, political and economic system with excellence relation with neighboring countries and worldwide. The Omani economy has been developed through a as series of developmental plan, this was further reinforced in 1996 by unveiling the vision2020 of Oman. This long-run plan outlines the economic and social goals of the country and sets out a framework for achieving sustainable development that further strengthen the county’s integration into the global economy. The main policies of the vision include diversification of the economy, human resource development, enhance the standard of living, expand the role of private sector, and attract foreign investments.
The vision2020 places strong emphasis on the development of the Information and Communication Technology as the main engine of the development in the third millennium. Therefore, the country has adopted a national IT strategy which objective is the creation of digital society in Oman and reach to the so-called knowledge economy.
Overall, vision2020 strategy has been adopted on the basis of economic openness, culture and tourism in a balanced way, in addition to the development of laws that govern the objectives of the vision and providing attractive investment environment.
Oman’s strong economic policies and it’s banking and financial system has enabled the country to withstand the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. This aspect has been recognized by several reputable international organizations and agencies. .
OMAN-KOREA TIES AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION ― Oman-Korean relations goes back to more than a thousand year when the Omani merchants met their Korean counterparts in China, and in modern age, both countries have started cooperation and established diplomatic relations in 1974. Since then, Oman-Korea relation had witnessed a remarkable development in various fields.
Korea is regarded as a major trading partner of Oman, and at present both countries engage in numerous economical exchange and cooperation. Oman provides large quantities of crude oil and LNG to Korea which forms the major energy source for the Korean industries; on the other hand, Korea exports many industrial products, including automobiles, vessels, hi-tech electronics and electrics to Oman. Moreover, many Korean companies contributing to the development of Omani infrastructure by constructing varies plants. Furthermore, the two nations are participating in some joint investment projects in Oman other countries. All these kind of cooperation has consequently resulted in the rise of high level of visit exchanges between the two countries.
The Omani oil and gas exports to Korea during 2009 estimated by USD 1.3 billion compared to USD 1.2 billion during 2008 whilst the non-oil exports to Korea estimated by USD 189 million during 2009 compared to USD 87.5 million during 2008. The re-export estimated by USD 741,000 compared to USD 1.2 million. Korean exports to the Sultanate hit USD 629 million during 2009.
It is important to mention here that the Oman-Korea Joint Committee is playing very pivotal role in promoting and developing the cooperation between the two nations. During the meetings, of the second round which was held in Oman last month, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between Omani businessmen and their Korean counterpart, an agreement to set up the Omani-Korean Joint Businessmen Council which is expected to accelerate the cooperation and investment between Oman and Korea. In addition, many other MOU under discussion in various fields including the Capital market and small and medium business. Also, many other topics have been discussed which opens new horizon of cooperation such as renewable energy, education, health, Information security, tourism and cultural exchange. nw

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Night view of Grand Mosque.

City nature Mutturah.