Official Name

Sultanate of Oman

Capital

Muscat

Currency

Omani Riyal (R$, OMR)

Population

3,204,897 (Mid 2006 estimate)

Main Languages

Arabic, Persian, Balochi, Hindi, English

Total GDP

$ 52.3 billion (2007 estimated)

Real GDP Growth

2.2% (2002 estimated)

Main Economic Sector

Oman's economic performance improved significantly in 2000 due largely to the upturn in oil prices. The government is moving ahead with privatization of its utilities, the development of a body of commercial law to facilitate foreign investment, and increased budgetary outlays. Oman continues to liberalise its markets and joined the World Trade Organization (WRTrO) in November 2000. GDP growth improved in 2001 despite the global slowdown and then fell back 2.2% in 2002. In order to reduce unemployment, the government is trying to replace expatriate workers with local workers. Another government objective is the development of the nation's gas resources.

Indo-Omani Bilateral Trade Relation

• An Agreement for Economic Trade & Technical Cooperation was signed on 15.6.93 in Oman during visit of Indian PM to Oman.
• India and Oman are founder members of Indian-Ocean Rim (IOR-ARC).
• Oman, of late taken a conscious decision to have strategic trade alliance with India.
• Oman in its pursuit of industrialization and diversification of its economy is keen to have a preferential trading arrangement.
• India is the 8th largest exporter to Oman after UAE, Japan, USA, UK, Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia. With the keenness shown by Omani side for strategic alliance with India, the economic relations between India and Oman can be improved further.
• Omani accession to WTO since completed.
• India and Oman have also finalized Bilateral Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement (BIPA) and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), MOU on Agriculture and MOU on Science & Technology.

Close cooperation in hydrocarbon sector. Oman willing to supply LNG at the earliest. LNG supply to Dhabol Power Project will increase trade volume significantly.

Main Contact in New Delhi
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
EP-10 & 11, Chandragupta Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021.
Tel. 26885622/23 / Telefax : 26885621
E-mail : omandelhi@vsnl.com

Indian Embassy

P.O. Box 1727, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Oman
Telephone: 00-968-7714120 / Fax: 00-968-7717503
Email: indiamct@omantel.net.om / Web : www.indemb-oman.org

Chamber of Commerce

Oman Chamber Of Commerce And Industry
PO Box 4400 Ruwi, Muscat Oman
Phone: (968) 707674/684/694 / Fax: (968) 708497

Visa Procedure

BUSINESS VISIT VISA :
This visa is granted to businessmen, experts, technicians, engineers, etc. who are invited by companies or institutions as trading partners or for conducting studies at the request of a local sponsor. The visa can be used within six months from the date of issuing. The sponsor must be a local with full legal capacity, and be responsible for the information stated in the application form.

Fee: RO 6

Visa Validity:
It is a single-entry visa valid for one month from the date of entry. Copy of applicant's passport should be valid for three months.

Extension Procedure:
The visa is extendable at the discretion of the Directorate General of Passports and Residence. As per the law, a fine of OMR 10 per day is charged for overstay beyond the validity of the visa.

TOURIST VISIT VISA :
This visa can be obtained from Oman's missions abroad without the need of a local sponsor or prior approval by the Directorate General of Passports and Residence. the visa holder can enter Oman from all entry points (air, land or sea). The visa should to be used within six months from the date of issue. The visa can also be issued from the Directorate General of Passports and Residence or any of its branches at the regional police commands at the request of a local sponsor (by a tourist company, travel agency, hotel, or an airline operating direct flights to Oman). The application will be processed on the same day it is submitted.

Main Tourist Attraction

Oman is known for its popular tourist attractions. Wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains are areas which make Oman unique to its neighboring GCC nations (Wadis in particular). Jebel Shams is Oman's tallest mountain, highest point, and is a popular destination for camping. Most of the major malls are located in Muscat, the capital. The largest mall in the country is the Muscat City Centre which was built by Majid hFuttaim, an Emirati business man. Other popular tourist activities include sand skiing in the desert, mountain-climbing, camel racing, and camping.

The Muscat Festival is usually held at the beginning of every year. During this event, traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks open, and concerts take place. Another popular event is the Khareef Festival, which is similar to Muscat Festival; however it is held in August in Salalah, Dhofar. During this latter event, mountains are packed as a result of the cool breeze weather during that period of time which rarely occurs in Muscat.

Main Imports

Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants, etc.

Major Items of Imports by India:

Crude oil, Fruits & nuts, Non-metallic mineral manufactures Other commodities, Metaliferrous ores & metal scrap Artificial resin, Plastic materials, etc.

Main Exports

Petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles, etc.

Major Items of Exports from India:
Machinery and instruments
Manufactures of metals
Manmade yarn / fabrics & madeups
Meat & meat preparations
Electronic goods

Airport & Harbour

List of Airports in Oman

Continent	Country	Airport Code	Airport Name
Middle East	Oman	RMB	Buraimi
Middle East	Oman	BYB	Dibaa
Middle East	Oman	KHS	Khasab
Middle East	Oman	MSH	Masirah Raf Stn.
Middle East	Oman	MCT	Muscat Seeb
Middle East	Oman	SLL	Salalah
Middle East	Oman	SUH	Sur
Middle East	Oman	TTH	Thumrait

Muscat, Mutrah Harbour

Useful Websites

1. www.indemb-oman.org
2. www.omanet.om