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Peace, Progress and Prosperity
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Tension-free status is a prerequisite for progress. Where there is peace, there
is prosperity. The latest news on the Sultanate of Oman being ranked 25th on the
2008 Global Peace Index (GPI) proves that peace, progress and prosperity are
closely interlinked. GPI, prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit using a
broad range of 24 indicators, has also ranked Oman as the most peaceful country
in the Middle East for the second consecutive year. The Sultanate has moved up
three notches – from the 22nd position in 2007 to the 25th position this year –
in the global hierarchy consisting of 140 nations. |
A nation torn asunder due to civil war at home or aggression against its
neighbour has little option but to fritter precious resources on preserving its
national boundaries. The diversion of resources on war efforts will naturally
hinder developmental activities. Oman, however, needs to have no worries on that
score. Under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s able and benign leadership,
Oman has been at peace with itself as well as with its neighbours and the rest
of the international world. The credit goes to the sagacity of the Sultanate’s
diplomacy.
Thanks to this the country has been able to concentrate on the 360 degree
development process currently underway. This includes strengthening
infrastructure, building more schools and colleges and improving the living
conditions of 2.6 million people through regular monitoring and intervention as
and when required.
With citizens at peace with themselves, business and commerce flourish; the
country is able to tap foreign capital, enhance productivity through better
technological inputs, which leads to improved bottomlines. This is universally
known as the ‘peace dividend’.
On the diplomatic front, the Sultanate is tirelessly opening up channels at
social, political and economic levels in the region as well as globally to be a
nation whose voice is being heard with respect. Not because of its geographical
size in the region, but on account of its ability to hold its own consistently
against all odds. Shrewd economic diplomacy coupled with political sagacity are
the two key parameters of Oman’s position on the global stage today.
So, it comes as no surprise when the World Bank states that Oman is the only
Arab country among 13 globally to achieve an economic miracle in the second half
of 20th century. Post World War II, Oman’s per capita income multiplied ten
times, going from $950 in 1960 to $9,000 in 2005.
Like GPI, the World Bank growth report categorically maintains that sustained
economic growth is not an end but a means to achieve important goals for
individuals and societies by finding resources supportive to healthcare and
education and reduction of poverty. At the end, it is all about judicious
allocation of resources through a visionary leadership, which is very similar to
His Majesty’s Vision 2020.
Let there be peace, peace and peace.
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June-
2008 |
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Cover Story |
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An upward spiral
Runaway inflation is not just impacting the profits of
companies but is also creating an atmosphere of uncertainty about the future.
Writes Mayank Singh
more... |
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Other Headlines |
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Growing tourism opportunities
Oman has a lot going for it as a tourism destination – pristine natural beauty
and authentic Arab culture. All it needs to do is ramp up infrastructure to be
on par with the rest of the region |
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An Experienced Hand
Murray Sims, CEO, National Bank of Oman speaks to Mayank Singh about his plans,
the sub prime crisis and a host of other issues |
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Real estate boom in the Middle
East
The real estate market in the Middle East is on a roll with buyers from all over
the world heading to own a piece of this golden region. A look at what makes
this region
tick |
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Leading from the Frontlines
Retired Colonel G. Gopalakrishnan is keen on bringing Oman to the forefront of
IT and communication technology writes Nathalia Jones |
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Leadership principles
In The Swordless Samurai, translated from the original Japanese, Tim
Clark has given due importance to the simplicity of expression of the leadership
concepts in Hideyoshi’s original writes Ganesh Sundararaman |
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The Arab world climbs up the
growth curve
The important factor to note is that the Arab economy managed to grow due to
domestic demand in favoUr of investment |
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Linking economic progress between
Qatar, Bahrain
With the economies of Qatar and Bahrain heading towards raPid development, the
proposed 40-km causeway between the two countries will keep the momentum going |
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Peace, Progress and Prosperity
Tension-free status is a prerequisite
for progress. Where there is peace, there is prosperity. |
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Putting ‘Tiger’ wins it all on the
turf
A look at what makes Tiger Woods a global Golf icon |
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Courage of conviction
The Sultanate’s tradition of enterprise dates back over centuries, we profile
six entrepreneurs who are keeping that spirit alive |
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Parking funds
The growing incidence of foreign participation on the MSM has started to have a
bearing on the stock market. Mayank Singh reports |
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GCC bourses upbeat in May
May proved to be good for GCC stock exchanges, with all markets ending on a
positive note. The overall growth was due to the excellent Q1 figures from
companies writes Harikumar Varma |
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The path to innovation –driving
brand growth
While making line extensions part of their new and
improved brand-building strategies, companies need to adopt a dual approach that
takes into consideration the relationship between trade partners and consumers
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Cracking the glass ceiling
Two women from the Sultanate have made it to the recently published list of the
fifty most powerful Arab women by Forbes Arabia. OER meets these women who have
been winning laurels for the country |
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Supporting ‘The Family’
Historical data shows that most family businesses disintegrate by the third
generation. LODH has survived seven generations. Pasha Bakhtiar, MD of LODH
shares some home truths with OER’s Ramesh Kumar |
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Russia – The ultimate frontier
market
With the dream team of President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin now
firmly in control of economic policy at the Kremlin, Moscow could be one of the
world’s best performing emerging markets in the next year.
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Sohar Aluminium,The picture so far
As Sohar Aluminium prepares for the final stages of construction and
commissioning our journalist Jessica Brookes and photographer Rajesh Burman
record the progress from ground zero |
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Creating value out of waste
Oman Wastewater Services Company is setting up a
modern wastewater system in Muscat Governorate with an investment of RO1.2
billion. Akshay Bhatnagar takes a look at the progress made so far on the
project, which is expected to be completed by 2017 |
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Keep your auto parts in top gear
this summer
Oman is gearing up for the mercury meltdown and everywhere air-conditioners are
working over time to provide cooling respite from the swelter. What respite can
we give our vehicles from the harsh, unforgiving heat? Read on to find out… |
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Direct Interface
Online trading provides a secure and convenient platform for investors to trade
directly on the stock market. Mayank Singh reports |
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Bye, bye, Your Excellency!
South Africa’s ambassador to Oman is exiting but he has set in motion a lot of
bilateral initiatives which is putting Oman upfront in South Africa’s worldview |
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Regulars |
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