MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MoTCIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), and the Office of the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, launched an introductory tour for the National Digital Economy Programme. This tour aims to introduce Oman’s key digital transformation initiatives, including e-commerce, financial technologies, and digital infrastructure development.
The tour began in South Al Sharqiyah and will expand to other governorates across Oman. The goal is to inform citizens about government projects in the digital economy and demonstrate Oman’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification through technology.
In the first stop of the tour, presentations outlined the objectives and indicators of the National Digital Economy Programme. The MoCIIP presented a paper on the national e-commerce executive programme, showcasing achievements and future visions that aim to build trust between consumers and merchants. This initiative is seen as crucial to establishing a reliable e-commerce environment in Oman.
The CBO shared its progress in promoting financial technologies, emphasising the importance of innovation and its alignment with Oman’s long-term vision. They also discussed initiatives to support emerging fintech companies.
The TRA highlighted efforts to improve Oman’s digital infrastructure, focusing on expanding the country’s communications networks, including optical fibers, 4G and 5G technologies, submarine cables, and data centers. These improvements aim to position Oman as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Ahmed al Balushi, Head of Programmes and Projects at the Technology Programmes Office of MoTCIT, explained that the National Digital Economy Programme is built around three pillars: digital government, digital society, and business digitization. These components aim to simplify e-government services, enhance job opportunities through Omanisation in the IT sector, and promote innovation in operations and services. He added that the programme's broader objectives include cutting costs, growing businesses, and improving service quality, all aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
The programme encompasses eight key areas: government digital transformation, digital industry, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies, space, cybersecurity, financial technologies, and digital infrastructure.
Azza al Kindi, Director of the Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce Department at MoCIIP, elaborated on the National E-Commerce Plan, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2021 and running until 2027. The plan includes 30 initiatives spread across eight main pillars, aiming to make Oman a regional e-commerce hub. Al Kindi emphasized that e-commerce is more than just online shopping—it offers new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and boosts economic diversification. She added that the plan seeks to enhance consumer awareness and update regulations governing the sector.
She also discussed the “Maroof Oman” platform, launched in early 2024, which documents licensed e-stores to enhance trust and reliability in the local e-commerce market. The platform is seen as a critical tool in strengthening consumer confidence in Omani e-commerce ventures. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
