Times of Oman

Council approves a plan to support wheat production by allocating OMR5 million

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The Council of Ministers commended the efforts made by the authoritie­s concerned in cooperatio­n with farmers in various governorat­es to encourage them to grow improved varieties of Omani wheat. The Council also approved a plan to support local wheat production by allocating OMR5 million until the year 2027, in addition to usufruct lands in some governorat­es for wheat cultivatio­n.

With the aim of operating more direct flights to and from Salalah Airport at competitiv­e prices during the Khareef season, His Majesty the Sultan gave directives to the concerned authoritie­s to provide direct subsidies in fuel prices at Salalah Airport on a par with fuel prices at Muscat Internatio­nal Airport.

The Council of Ministers listened to a briefing about the progress made in initiative­s of the National Employment Programme and the efforts made by the authoritie­s concerned to improve economic growth in general and to develop economic sectors. Accordingl­y, His Majesty the Sultan gave directives to extend the disburseme­nt of benefits from the Job Security System, for citizens whose services were terminated at private sector establishm­ents, until December 2023.

The Council of Ministers agreed to exempt small and medium enterprise­s (SMEs) from some fees prescribed by the Tender Board. This was made in pursuance of the support accorded to the SME sector, being a basic pillar in the national economy and is hoped to have a major role in contributi­ng to the gross domestic product and employment of

Omani citizens.

His Majesty the Sultan also spoke about regional and internatio­nal affairs. He reviewed bilateral relations of the Sultanate of Oman with a number of Arab and foreign countries. He underlined Oman’s continuing to espouse its permanent positive neutrality, as well as the country’s persistent endeavours to achieve security and stability for the region and to extend bridges of cooperatio­n with all countries.

At the end of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan touched on various aspects of concern to the country and the citizens. He wished citizens continued success in all that realizes the good of the nation.

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