OPAZ unveils centralised investor service platform
Published: 02:07 PM,Jul 14,2024 | EDITED : 06:07 PM,Jul 14,2024
This platform aims to integrate seamlessly with other national government service platforms, enhancing the overall service experience for investors.
BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, JULY 14
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has launched the Central Platform for Investor Services, a groundbreaking project designed to streamline access to government and operational e-services within Oman's economic, free, and industrial zones. This platform aims to integrate seamlessly with other national government service platforms, enhancing the overall service experience for investors.
This initiative marks a significant step in advancing Oman's digital infrastructure, aligning with sustainable development goals, and positioning Oman's economic zones as reliable and sustainable investment destinations.
Mahmoud Hamoud al Rawahi, Director General of Planning and Information Technology, elaborated on the platform's benefits: 'This platform will serve as a centralized one-stop shop where investors can access all necessary services.' It will generate centralised statistics, track KPIs, and integrate various e-service channels and systems, simplifying the connection between government and operational services within OPAZ-supervised zones. Furthermore, the platform will streamline the oversight and management of services, reduce administrative and financial costs, and safeguard investor data by functioning as a comprehensive investor portfolio.
Al Rawahi emphasised that the platform will enhance service efficiency, reducing the time and effort required for investors to obtain necessary data and apply for services. This aligns with OPAZ's digital transformation strategy and commitment to improving investor services. Transparency in service requirements and expedited procedures will further elevate the quality of services provided to investors in OPAZ-supervised zones.
Since its inception in September 2020, OPAZ has implemented several initiatives to improve services for investors. Key among these is the establishment of the Digital Transformation Committee. A comprehensive study has identified and documented the government and operational services available to investors in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, free zones, and industrial cities. This includes defining service requirements, standardizing forms, and reviewing fees and tariffs.
OPAZ has also introduced an e-service for investor land selection, allowing investors to choose from over 800 business activities based on project type and land requirements. Additionally, OPAZ has empowered its zones to issue work permits and investor residence visas, established a toll-free investor call center (1919), and coordinated with military and civil bodies to integrate with the customs exemption system. Services have been categorized and documented through the Oman Digital Portal, and collaboration with the Directorate General of Customs has led to the development of import and export requirements for dual-use goods and other products.
This centralised platform represents a major leap forward in Oman's efforts to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environment within its economic zones.
MUSCAT, JULY 14
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has launched the Central Platform for Investor Services, a groundbreaking project designed to streamline access to government and operational e-services within Oman's economic, free, and industrial zones. This platform aims to integrate seamlessly with other national government service platforms, enhancing the overall service experience for investors.
This initiative marks a significant step in advancing Oman's digital infrastructure, aligning with sustainable development goals, and positioning Oman's economic zones as reliable and sustainable investment destinations.
Mahmoud Hamoud al Rawahi, Director General of Planning and Information Technology, elaborated on the platform's benefits: 'This platform will serve as a centralized one-stop shop where investors can access all necessary services.' It will generate centralised statistics, track KPIs, and integrate various e-service channels and systems, simplifying the connection between government and operational services within OPAZ-supervised zones. Furthermore, the platform will streamline the oversight and management of services, reduce administrative and financial costs, and safeguard investor data by functioning as a comprehensive investor portfolio.
Al Rawahi emphasised that the platform will enhance service efficiency, reducing the time and effort required for investors to obtain necessary data and apply for services. This aligns with OPAZ's digital transformation strategy and commitment to improving investor services. Transparency in service requirements and expedited procedures will further elevate the quality of services provided to investors in OPAZ-supervised zones.
Since its inception in September 2020, OPAZ has implemented several initiatives to improve services for investors. Key among these is the establishment of the Digital Transformation Committee. A comprehensive study has identified and documented the government and operational services available to investors in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, free zones, and industrial cities. This includes defining service requirements, standardizing forms, and reviewing fees and tariffs.
OPAZ has also introduced an e-service for investor land selection, allowing investors to choose from over 800 business activities based on project type and land requirements. Additionally, OPAZ has empowered its zones to issue work permits and investor residence visas, established a toll-free investor call center (1919), and coordinated with military and civil bodies to integrate with the customs exemption system. Services have been categorized and documented through the Oman Digital Portal, and collaboration with the Directorate General of Customs has led to the development of import and export requirements for dual-use goods and other products.
This centralised platform represents a major leap forward in Oman's efforts to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environment within its economic zones.