Industry captains weigh job creation

Possible ways of collaboration for jobs generation were discussed with business leaders of a number of sectors

MUSCAT: A kick-off meeting to explore ways of boosting employment opportunities for Omanis was held by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and members of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

The workshop examined possible ways of collaboration with business leaders from a number of sectors of economy including services, construction, tourism, logistics, investment, real estate, and the automotive industry.

PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci gave around 20 senior executives, led by OCCI Chairman Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, an overview of the Company’s activities, not least the goal of creating 50,000 job and training op- portunities for nationals outside oil and gas from 2017-2019.

Strong relationships

Restucci said: “PDO has strong relationships with the Omani business community and it is incumbent on all of us to work together to support His Majesty’s Government in addressing the key national priorities of creating employment for nationals while diversifying the economy”.

He added, “We have already generated thousands of job and training opportunities with key partners in a variety of industries but the private sector will need to continue to step up if we are to create meaningful and rewarding jobs for more than 40,000 young Omanis graduating or leaving education each year”.

Al Kiyoumi said: “We are pleased to visit PDO, the largest oil and gas exploration and production company in the Sultanate of Oman. It is a leading company in supporting and qualifying the Omani cadres and has a long history of serving the community since 1962”.

He added, “The role of the private sector is recognised as the primary partner of the Government in the development of Oman. We, at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry as representatives of the Omani private sector, would like to commend the significant role played by many companies in making the private sector an attractive and encouraging environment for young people”.

Al Kiyoumi furthered, “PDO has played an active role in encouraging Omani cadres, as this company has a great track record of achievements in many social and economic aspects”. Full story @ timesofoman.com/oman

-ONA FRATERNAL TIES: During the meeting, the existing good fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries and all matters that would enhance ties of the joint cooperation were reviewed and discussed.