Ain-Al-Yaqeen - November 26, 2004

		November 26, 2004

THE SULTANATE OF OMAN CELEBRATES THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS NATIONAL DAY.
SULTAN QABOOS PRESIDES OVER THE MILITARY PARADE AT THE ROYAL GUARD OF OMAN GROUND.
THUWAINI BIN SHIHAB: LOYAL CITIZENS WERE ABLE DUE TO SULTAN QABOOS' UNLIMITED SUPPORT TO REALIZE THE GOALS OF THE COUNTRY.
THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS MADE OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES ARE PROOF OF YOUR WISE LEADERSHIP; YOU HAVE PROMISED AND FULFILLED YOUR PROMISE OF BUILDING A MODERN AND PROUD STATE.
THE PRESIDENT OF STATE'S COUNCIL: THE DEVELOPMENT ENJOYED BY THE PEOPLE OF OMAN DURING RENAISSANCE IS HIGHLY APPRECIATED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHOURA COUNCIL: THE EXPANSION OF THE COUNCIL TASKS' HELP IN NATIONAL DECISION MAKING.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said, supreme commander of the Sultan's Armed Forces, presided over a military parade to mark the 34th anniversary of its National Day at the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) ground.

Upon the ascending of the Sultan to the royal box, the military band played the royal anthem and fired a 21-gun salute to Sultan Qaboos and the parade columns performed the military salute.

Then, Brigadier Khalfan bin Salim Al Saeidi, commandant of the parade columns, proceeded to the Royal Box requesting the Sultan to begin the royal parade.

Military music groups representing the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), the RGO and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), passed before the Royal Box in a magnificent military formation while playing musical tunes and stationed at the back of the parade columns.

Then, the parade columns passed before the Royal Box performing the military salute to Sultan Qaboos. The parade columns comprising symbolic units representing the RGO, the Royal Army of Oman (RAO), the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) and ROP, formed regular military rows.

The parade columns proceeded forward and all expressed loyalty and allegiance to the Sultan and chanted 'long live the Sultan' three times.

Then the royal anthem was performed and the parade columns gave the military salute to Sultan Qaboos and stationed at the ground.

After that, the Sultan left the celebration ground.

Attending the celebration along with Sultan Qaboos were members of the royal family, the presidents of the Council of State and the Majlis Al Shura, ministers, advisers, the inspector-general of police and customs, the head of the internal security service, the chief of staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, the commander of the Royal Army of Oman, the commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman, the commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, the commander of the Royal Guard of Oman, senior military commandants, commandants of formations at the army and air and naval bases as well as members of the Council of State and the Majlis Al Shura, undersecretaries, heads of diplomatic missions of sisterly and friendly countries, military attaches, senior state officials, media personalities and officers and non-commissioned officers and personnel of the SAF, RGO, ROP and security services.

Meanwhile a number of world leaders and politicians greeted Sultan Qaboos on the occasion of Oman's 34th National Day and praised in their cables the Sultan's wise leadership of the Sultanate which enabled it to occupy a prominent position among nations of the world. They also congratulated the Sultan for the achievements he secured for Oman.

The leaders, the heirs apparent, sheikhs, heads of government, organisations and authorities and senior officials in sisterly and friendly countries expressed their sincere greetings to the Sultan wishing him good health, happiness and a long life and wished Oman and its people progress and growth under the wise leadership of Sultan Qaboos.

The Sultan received greetings cables on this occasion from King Abdullah of Jordan; President Zine bin Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia; President Dr Mohammed Khatami of Iran; President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan; President Imomali Rakhmonov of Tajikistan; Sultan Tuanku Sayid Sirajuddin, Paramount Ruler of Malaysia; President George W Bush of the US; Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands; President Vicente Fox of Mexico; President Vladimir Putin of Russia; President Pascal Couchepin of Switzerland; President of Bosnia-Herzegovina; President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic; Michael Jeffery, Governor General of Australia; President A P J Abdul Kalam of India; President Dr Heinz Fischer of Austria; Shaikh Sulman bin Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa, Heir Apparent and Commander of the Bahraini Defence Forces; Saad al Abdullah al Salim al Sabah, Heir Apparent of Kuwait; Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh; Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmed Badawi of Malaysia; and Mohammed Reza Aref, First Vice-President of Iran.

Sultan Qaboos received a cable of greetings from Sayyid Thuwaini bin Shihab al Said, the Personal Representative of the Sultan and Chairman of the Higher Committee for National Day Celebrations and President of the National Authority for Scouts and Guides, on the occasion of the 34th National Day.

In his cable, Sayyid Thuwaini said : "When the sun of 23rd of July 1970 rose, the birth of the modern Oman started. It was a blessed march full of great achievements covering every piece of land in our beloved country.

"Your Majesty, the Royal goals drawn by Your Majesty for the march of prosperity is a guide for us to follow. Your loyal citizens were able, due to your unlimited support, to make the goals real. "As we mark this occasion, I share the honour to convey to Your Majesty my sincere wishes and renew our loyalty and obedience. May God Almighty bless you with long life and guide your blessed steps and guard Oman," he said.

Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, has sent a cable of greetings to Sultan Qaboos bin Said on the 34th anniversary of National Day, wishing him good health and further prosperity to the people of Oman under his wise leadership. Sayyid Fahd said great achievements have been made over the last three decades, which are "proof of your wise leadership; you have promised and fulfilled your promise of building a modern and proud state."

Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, president of the Council of State, has sent a similar cable to the Sultan. Mantheri said the development enjoyed by the people of Oman during Renaissance is appreciated by the people of Oman, who are thankful to for his efforts.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, president of the Majlis Al Shura, has also sent a cable of greetings to the Sultan on the 34th anniversary of National Day, wishing him good health and prosperity to the Omani people. Qatabi said "your respected Council of Ministers has referred the state budget of 2005 to the Majlis for review and this reflects the mutual trust between the government and the Majlis".

In November 18, 2004 the Sultanate of Oman completed 34 years of its National Day and achievements era, which began with the Blessed Renaissance, under the wise leadership of Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

It is a comprehensive progress that brought a lot of prosperity to the Omani citizen, who is keen to celebrate this dear and happy occasion.

Celebrating National Day is an appreciation from all the citizens for the significance of the comprehensive Renaissance and a revival of this happy occasion, thanks to the all-round achievements that cover all aspects of Omani life. We are not assessing these achievements they speak for themselves, as you find them in every inch of the Omani land, giving prosperity to all citizens and expatriates in this good land.

Years have passed and the size of achievements have become big, a testimony that His Majesty's government has big expectations. In addition to the fulfilled achievements, the wise government has a stock of ideas and plans for the future generations of Oman. It is not surprising that the year 2004 witnessed the execution of many economic projects by the wise government in many governorates and regions, within the current five-year plan. No need to provide a list of these projects or promote them. We only want to point out that these projects aim at diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil as a main source of income. These non-oil projects have begun making a huge contribution to the income as facts and figures tell us.

The Sultanate's non-oil exports during the first four months of this year have reached 64.4 per cent. This is an indication of the huge success of these projects the biggest guarantee for the future of the Omani economy, which shall remain strong in the face of winds shaking the world economy from time to time.

Moreover, the wise government has taken stable steps towards activating the tourist sector and crowned that by establishing a Ministry for Tourism. The government gave the private sector the opportunity for making big contribution in the progress of tourism in a bid to cope with a growing tourism industry, regionally and internationally.

Furthermore, the 34th anniversary of National Day is an opportunity to reflect, with pride and appreciation, on the role played by the wise government in adopting a balanced foreign policy based on stable principles. This has gained us the respect and appreciation of brotherly and friendly states and maintained our high status in the political and non-political organisations, regionally and internationally. The Sultanate has distinguished itself for having relations with all countries of the world, without having to be influenced by the atmosphere of blocs, axis and polarisation that rules the world.

The government has succeeded in investing these good relations thanks to a balanced foreign policy, giving positive benefits to the economic projects by attracting partners from most of big states that own well-known international companies working in various fields. All this would bring further benefits to the future of the Omani economy.

Sultan Qaboos presided over a military parade at the grounds of the Royal Guard of Oman in the Wilayat of Seeb in Muscat Governorate on the occasion of the 34th National Day. The military parade was attended by members of the Royal family, Presidents of the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash"shura, ministers, advisers, Inspector General of Police and Customs, Commander of the Internal Security, Commanders of the SAF wings, members of Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash"shura, under-secretaries, heads of diplomatic missions in the Sultanate, senior civilian and military personnel, and sheikhs and dignitaries.

The National Day celebration is an occasion that symbolises the collective hopes, ambitions and optimism of the people of Oman for the future progress of the nation. Crucially, the 18th of November is also a day of great pride, joy and gratitude for Omanis as they reflect on 34 years of a metamorphosis that has lifted their nation from poverty, despair and isolation to modernity and progress. They also ponder their own personal role and contribution to this momentous development, and reaffirm their commitment to nation-building.

Above all, they pay tribute to a visionary leader who orchestrated the Sultanate"s remarkable transformation over the country"s brief modern history and has laid lasting foundations for its future prosperity. The renaissance initiated 34 years ago by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos continues to bestow progress and advancement across the face of the Sultanate. Hospitals and health centres proliferate where once disease and pestilence was rife. Private universities and technology parks are a reality where once ignorance and illiteracy were the norm. Industry and enterprise flourish where once debility and despondency thrived.

A series of five-year development plans introduced at the outset of the renaissance have ensured that the benefits of Oman"s economic progress are spread more-or-less evenly across the breadth of the country. Objectively designed and paced to match the country"s national priorities, these plans cater to improvements in education, health, economy, trade and industry, agriculture and fisheries, communications infrastructure, telecommunications, human resources development, youth and women"s affairs, tourism and environment.

Among the biggest beneficiaries of this sustained developmental drive has been the education sector. A profusion of schools and higher learning institutions around Oman has won the acclaim of the World Bank and Unesco. At last count, around 1,022 schools were in operation around the country, serving a total of nearly 600,000 male and female students. The Basic Education System, which aims to develop the pupil"s abilities, and encourage independent and analytical thinking, is being enthusiastically embraced by a growing number of schools.

Keen to develop a competent workforce with well-rounded skills for the increasingly sophisticated workplace, the government has encouraged investments in universities and colleges, health and technical institutes, and even an information technology hub the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM). Importantly, the private sector has begun playing a dominant role in higher education and is working hand in hand with the government in developing superior institutions of learning.

Healthcare services in the Sultanate have made equally impressive strides since the renaissance, drawing praise from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, among other international agencies. Over the past three decades, the government has built a healthcare infrastructure, elements of which have been touted as world-class.

An aggressive immunisation programme, backed by a preventative strategy against emergent health problems, is a laudatory feature of Oman"s healthcare services. Standards in environmental hygiene, safety and conservation are also among the best in the world, attesting to the importance given to these matters by the government.

On the domestic front, a robust hydrocarbon sector continues to fuel the nation"s economic growth. Buoyant oil prices, which recently reached a 35-year high of $39 per barrel, have helped significantly augment state revenues and offset losses in earnings due to the decline in oil production. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the dominant oil producer, is investing a mammoth $5 billion in new oilfields and oil recovery programmes that aim to reverse the decline in output.

But it is natural gas that is, of late, emerging as the main driver of economic growth and industrialisation. Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which have significantly added to national revenues, will increase by 50 per cent when a new LNG train comes on stream in 2006. Gas will also play a major role as feedstock for huge petrochemical and industrial plants under development in Sohar and Sur. With the opening of a modern industrial port in Sohar in April this year, construction has commenced in earnest on a number of gas-based industrial ventures, notably an oil refinery and an associated polypropylene plant.

Recent agreements have also added momentum to proposals for a multi-billion dollar aluminium smelter, as well as polyethylene and petrochemical units. Plans are also shaping up for a methanol scheme, fertiliser complex, steel plant and other projects.

The Sultanate"s basic framework for economic development is enshrined in the "Vision 2020" charter, which provides a blueprint for achieving dynamic growth well integrated with the global economy. Privatisation and economic diversification remain the cornerstones of this blueprint, as the country strives to veer away from an overly dependence on oil revenues to support the economy.

Thanks to burgeoning oil revenues, Oman"s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to leap to 9.2 per cent during 2004, up from 6.3 per cent in 2003. The contribution of non-oil sectors last year rose from RO 3.257 billion in 2002 to RO 3.47 billion last year. The mainstay hydrocarbon sector too grew by 6.1 per cent in value to RO 5.008 billion last year from RO 4.718 billion a year earlier.

Overall, the standard of living in Oman has progressively inched upwards, with a 3.1 per cent increase in per capita income recorded in 2002 despite a 2.5 per cent growth in population. Per capita income rose to RO 3,077 in 2002 from RO 2,490 in 1995, a growth attributed to the increased participation of citizens in the labour force, coupled with the expansion of the economic base.

Infrastructure development has also continued apace with sizable amounts having been invested in major road initiatives, notably the Quriyat-Sur highway, Nizwa-Thamrait rehabilitation project, and the Southern Expressway in Muscat Governorate. The container terminal in Salalah and a harbour in Khasab are being upgraded, while plans are afoot for an airport at Duqm.

Privatisation finally became a reality in a number of key sectors during the year. In May a second mobile operator, Nawras Telecom, was granted a licence to provide mobile services as part of the government"s landmark drive to liberalise the telecom sector. Likewise, a new sectoral law for the power and water sector was promulgated, bringing with it the promise of accelerated private investment in this key industry.

It has also been a momentous year for the tourism industry, with the private sector making common cause with the government in launching a series of ambitious tourism schemes that promise to enhance Oman"s international image as a world-class destination.

The Wave project at Seeb, envisioning a plethora of upmarket resorts and hotel properties, along with the Barr al Jissah resort and other initiatives, have since made good headway. Auguring well for the industry is a recent law authorising foreign ownership of real estate in the Sultanate. Crowning all these developments is the recent establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Tourism, which will provide a new focus and direction to this vital sector.

Omanisation and manpower development, which have been embraced as national priorities, continue to make solid gains. His Majesty the Sultan has, time and again, thrown his weight behind these objectives, frequently voicing his strong desire to see more Omanis either in the employment of the country"s vibrant private sector or starting business ventures of their own. A concerted programme of Omanisation, as agreed at the National Manpower Seminar in Ibra last year, is well on track for implementation. Side by side, the Sanad Programme continues to open up numerous employment opportunities for Omanis across the country.

Underscoring the great strides women have been in recent years, women now head the ministries of Higher Education, Tourism and Social Development, as well as the Public Authority for Craft Industries. They also hold ranking positions as under-secretaries and ambassadors, while in the private sector, women have set their sights on high-profile jobs in aviation, aeronautics and other traditionally male bastions.

Sport, an avid national pursuit that has won Oman glory at many an international event, has now been elevated to a national priority backed by a separate ministry. The move attests to the government"s utmost importance accorded to sports as a channel for nurturing and harnessing the potential of Oman"s youth.

Internationally, Oman continues to grow in stature as a proponent of peace, reconciliation and mutual co-operation. It stands as a proud member of the international community, working inclusively with friendly and brotherly states to advance the cause of world peace and equity. The government of His Majesty the Sultan has actively pursued a foreign policy aimed at maintaining good relations with all its neighbours and the countries of the world. Security through co-operation and peace, and not conflict, continues to be one of its key principles.

However, given Oman"s geographical location in a region that has seen more than its fair share of upheavals, the government accords top priority to the country"s security and stability. The Sultan"s Armed Forces, along with the Royal Oman Police and other security apparatuses of the country, have been vested with the sacred responsibility of safeguarding the renaissance and continue to receive training and the necessary wherewithal to carry out this task.

Since its establishment in 2001 the Manpower Ministry has endeavoured to find a path to keep abreast with the aspirations of the government in its national strategy 2020.

The ministry accorded special attention to stimulating the outcome of the national manpower employment seminars and to avail more employment opportunities for Omani job seekers, train Omani youth in various vocations and rationalise the employment of expatriates in the private sector.

The ministry has also attached special importance to the welfare of labourers by applying labour systems and laws and settle disputes between employers and employees and tackle them within the framework of the Omani labour law.

This year witnessed remarkable achievements in the manpower field, notably the real partnership established between the public and private sectors, thanks to the joint endeavour administered by the ministry to stimulate Omanisation plans and programmes in various sectors. This had helped increase the number of labour-market entrants and create awareness among job seekers with the importance of training and qualification.

A total of 54,885 male and female job seekers were enrolled at the ministry from January 1, 2004 to October 31, 2004. And, 9,020 male and female citizens were selected for vacant posts in the private sector while 31,202 job opportunities were availed in the private sector, according to statistics released by the ministry.

The number of expatriate labourers rose to 587,375 during the period from January 1, 2004 to October 31, 2004, due to the increasing number of projects implemented by the private sector in the Sultanate.

With regard to streamlining labour procedures and regulating licensing for non-Omani workforce, a total of 261 establishments employing 46,752 Omanis benefited from the privileged treatment card till October 31, 2004.

The number of students admitted at higher technical colleges for the academic year 2004-2005 was 4,127 males and females, thanks to the special attention accorded to this sector. The Sanad programme has succeeded in Omanising the foodstuff selling vocation in 45 wilayats.

Oman has achieved comprehensive development under the renaissance march as a result of proper thinking and deep vision of Sultan Qaboos, said Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali al Qatabi, President of the Majlis Ash"shura, said.

He said during the last three decades all citizens had access to education, employment and participation in general affairs without discrimination on the basis of sex, colour, language, religion or social status. The Basic Law of the State issued in November 1996 guarantees all those rights, he said.

Al Qatabi hailed the flexibility in drawing development programmes to allow review and reform. "This was evident in 1995 when after quarter of a century, development process was subject to evaluation and review, and accordingly the Vision of Oman Economy 2020 was approved. The Sultanate has seen balanced development in all wilayats. The basic infrastructure is now complete."

As for the amendment in the system of Majlis Ash"shura, he said several changes occurred in the beginning of its fifth session (October 2002-September 2007) in line with Royal Decree No 74/2004, expanding the tasks of the Majlis to include review of projects under the five-year development plans, the general budget of the Sultanate and increasing the tenure of the Majlis membership to four years instead of three which can be renewed.

"These amendments were followed by another step to strengthen the Majlis Ash"shura. As per the Royal directives of the Sultan, the membership of the Majlis was conducted through general election in all the wilayats of the Sultanate and the right of vote for every citizen of 21 years age. The co-operation between the government and the Majlis Ash"shura helped in achieving its goal of assisting the government in all matters of concern to the Omani society, he said.

On the co-ordination and cooperation with Majlis Addawla, Al Qatabi said that the two institutions are keen to strengthen the cooperation as is evident from participation of both Majlis in public seminars. Members of both institutions also made joint visits to foreign countries. He said that the task of the Majlis is not confined to raising recommendations to the authorities concerned, but in discussing public issues and participation in reviewing development plans and state budgets.