Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said : Viewpoint

Viewpoint : Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said

There was a time in our history when Oman needed to think about making various improvements in the country. Now we have the goals of human and social advancement in the sultanate, and it is important to build up a strong framework on which designs and projects can be based. Despite the large geographical area and harsh terrain of Oman, our previous development plans have gone a long way towards transforming life in this country.

We have facilitated the implementation of development programmes, both social and human, and helped extend services to all citizens regardless of their location. The need for infrastructure will continue, since it is an ongoing process necessitated by urban expansion and socio-economic development. This is reaffirmed by the people’s need for improved communication and their aspirations for a better, healthier and happier life.

The Supreme Council for Planning will also focus its attention on development plans that take into account various priorities for achieving our overall goals. It is pleasing and rewarding to see that Oman is progressing with balanced steps and moving in the right direction. The private sector is one of the key pillars of economic development, in terms of commerce, industry, agriculture, tourism and finance. It also plays an important role socially, with regard to human resources development, training, upgrading scientific and practical skills, as well as providing new employment opportunities.

Some citizens have the impression that the private sector relies on what the state offers it, or that it does not serve society and support its social institutions and programmes effectively or efficiently. There is also a perception that it seeks only profit. Such an impression not only harms the future of the private sector, but also has a negative impact on the development plans of the country, particularly those that relate to the diversification of incomes.

As such, it is in the interests of the private sector to work harder to manage this negative perception and to take well-studied, efficient, practical steps. This can be done through increasing its contribution to social development. In order to achieve this, it must work in close partnership with the government and alongside civil society institutions to implement policies and offer social services.

Over the years education has increased in quality and quantity. Schools and pupil numbers have increased many times over, and people are generally able to pursue an education to the level that they desire. In addition to primary, preparatory, secondary and higher education, several streams and specialisations are also available to meet a broad range of development and educational needs.

Today, students are able to study agriculture, industry, commerce and vocational subjects, and there are training colleges for male and female teachers. In addition to these, there are institutes for Islamic studies, and centres for adult education that aim for the eradication of illiteracy.

It is no secret that today, as always, the economy is the mainstay of a country’s life. It is the yardstick against which progress can be measured, and it is the solid base on which all aspects of human civilisation are built. Thus, any modern society must have an adequate number of nationals with specific specialised skills and qualifications in a diverse range of fields to work in the economy. The success of the human experience is the result of constant endeavour, commitment and a sense of responsibility.

No nation can realise its goals unless its people work together as a collective to build a future and develop the potential of the country.

We are confident that all of our young citizens will play an active part in developing and building up this Omani enterprise for the future vision of Oman, reinforcing its roots and raising its structure.