Welcome to the July 2008 edition of Oman Vistas. Many of you had requested us to bring out this magazine more often, and you will be happy to know that from now on, with your support and good wishes, we shall endeavour to bring out Vistas more often with your favourite newspaper Oman Tribune.

This edition covers some new topics. First, we have exclusive interviews with the minister of higher education and the minister of manpower, who articulate the government policies and initiatives of their respective areas.

The minister of higher education has said her ministry was proactive in ensuring that higher educational institutes turn out students with key skills needed in Oman’s changing marketplace, whereas the minister of manpower, in his elaborate interview, has stressed on the development of national human resources as the key to sustainable economic development.

We also have an exclusive interview with the Ambassador of the republic of India, whose countrymen, form one of the largest expatriate working communities in Oman. The ambassador revealed that Indian exports to Oman had jumped 80% to US$ 1.04 billion in 2007 from US$ 578 million in 2006. Did you know what the main contributors to the significant jump in India’s export figures were? They happen to be steel pipes, copper products, rice, cement clinker and fuel oil for ships.  Similarly, Omani exports to India jumped 60.5% to reach US$ 457 million in 2007 from US$ 323 million in 2006. And, can you guess what the major Omani exports to India are? It’s Urea, LNG, polypropylene, lubricating oil, dates and chromites ore.

In light of the on-going economic boom in Oman, an increase in population and the surge in disposable incomes, retailing activity has surely gained momentum. We asked the industry leaders to talk about their experiences, and they did. From Luxury and Lifestyle retailing, to retailing of IT products and entertainment electronics, we have covered it all for you. Human resources is another vital area that we have focused on, in the current issue.

You will find a whole lot of first hand interviews in this edition, as we believe interviews make reading more engaging and appealing. Moreover, it is straight from the horse’s mouth, and entirely objective. We have presented views of industry leaders and experts as honestly as possible.

So read on and give us your feedback. We would like to know how you liked this issue and what you would like covered in the forthcoming issues. Please send in your comments to editor@omanvistas.com