“As the sun rises on Oman each day, the landscape of the Sultanate looks different. What had been a typical profile of this part of the world a few decades ago, is now history. What was routine some years ago, is now a pleasant memory. And, what was just a thought some months ago is now reality”. Written in simple yet impressive style, Oman Vistas 2006-07 special edition was launched by Minister of Commerce & Industry His Excellency Maqbool Ali Sultan yesterday.

Focused on business and economic development in the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Vistas is a new A4 size colourful publication brought out by InteracOman that showcases the economic potential of Oman and includes well researched articles dwelling on all key sectors of the economy like petroleum, banking, tourism, insurance, etc in addition to interviews with ministers, government officials, policy makers, and CEO’s of the Oman corporate world.

In a foreword written by the His Excellency Maqbool Ali Sultan, the minister states: “Three and a half decades after a progressive dream began taking shape in what has been described as the 'Jewel of the Middle East', the Sultanate of Oman today stands at a major juncture where its business climate is most conducive, its environment simply beckoning and its sustained development a source of inspiration for citizens and expatriates alike. Being one of the most exotic travel destinations in the Middle East, where luxurious comfort and safety are combined with stunning natural beauty, Oman is today, not just a priority on the traveller's calendar, it is also an important destination for the investor.”

Maqbool further underscores: “Human resources development is one of the major challenges facing Oman. Accordingly, it ranks high in our set of priorities. At present, the emphasis is directed towards enhancing education, higher education and training systems that are conducive to the knowledge and expertise of the Omani workforce. Our target is to convert Omani job seekers into an efficient and productive workforce, with high standards of ethical and moral values. Such a workforce is a necessity for competitiveness, productivity, innovation and efficiency.”

Speaking on the occasion, Maqbool said Oman was in a period of transition and a lot of developments are taking place, and the government’s thrust is to create the right environment to usher the Sultanate into a truly diversified economy, deriving the maximum output from non-oil sectors, like tourism, manufacturing, and service sectors. Maqbool complimented the efforts of InteracOman and said: “As a publication that seeks to capture the vibrancy of the Oman economy, Oman Vistas delivers tremendous value and helps project Oman as the ideal business and investment destination of the Middle East. Dissemination of correct information to people in Oman and abroad is vital and Oman Vistas effectively bridges that gap to a large extent.”

In an introduction by Deepak Nair, the founder of Oman Vistas, he says: “The benevolent leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the wise policies of the government is seeing Oman fast becoming a destination of choice for global investors. For a potential investor, the Sultanate of Oman now seems to be a land of endless opportunities, avenues and possibilities. And, it is precisely this aspect that Oman Vistas intends to bring forth through its pages. Indeed, a volume will not be enough to do that. We will need to constantly update you on newer vistas. We will get you authentic information from policy makers directly and the views of those at the helm of transformation. Views of those who make things happen.”

Oman Vistas is produced by InteracOman that also brings out the famed annual publication DestinationOman which is focused on tourism. Apart from publishing, the company is into advertising, web and multimedia as well, and boasts of an impressive clientele. The website www.destinationoman.com also won the Silver Award at Oman Web Awards last year.

Deepak Nair further added that Oman Vistas will be freely distributed to government offices, ministries, corporate offices, star hotels, embassies and consulates in Oman. He said it is also being retailed though a chain of bookshops in Oman and the GCC countries. Corporate and institutional customers in Oman can obtain free copies from the office of InteracOman directly or register themselves at www.omanvistas.com for receiving the same.