Tanfeedh promises sunny days ahead

“This project will help fill around 10,000 senior and middle managerial positions with qualified Omani workforce,” Lee said.

Saud al Salmi of the Oil and Gas Trade Union said some of the initiatives are very ambitious and innovative. He welcomed the suggestions such as the 20-per cent Omanisation for the parttime workers along with facilities such as the insurance cover.

On the free movement of labour, he said in his personal opinion the NOC rule for expatriates should be relaxed, especially for those who fulfil their contract obligations. Of course, the employer’s concern should be also taken into account. “It will help especially new companies to look out for locally experienced projects,” he said.

Among the major initiatives, one proposal that missed the headlines is probably about the establishment of Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which will help Muscat emerge as a hub for world-class design for products, advanced apprentice centre, research and development and world class prototyping facilities.

The centre will help sectors such as defence, railway, oil and gas, marble and ceramic processing and automobiles.

To be established in partnership with University of Sheffield by 2018, the first phase will include development of prototype centre with machine tool facilities and development of training centre.

The second phase to be completed by 2020 will be cluster of supply chain industries serving the wider Middle East and African markets by creating a manufacturing park. Phase 1 will be carried out by Sohar University.