Shura Council studies economic proposals, draft agreements with other countries

Muscat: The Shura Council on Tuesday held its 16th regular session for the 4th annual sitting (2022-2023) of the 9th Term (2019-2023) during which six urgent statements were delivered on various economic and social issues.

The session discussed a report by the Economic and Financial Committee on the efficiency of the Tax Authority’s taxation scheme.

It endorsed a report by the Youth and Human Resources Committee on a proposal to raise the wages of Omani private sector's workers.

The session looked into the Media and Culture Committee’s report on initiating a 10-year ‘cultural visa’ to help benefit from the contribution of innovators and specialists in intellectual fields and enrich the cultural scene in Oman.

Further, the session exchanged views about the Economic and Financial Committee’s report on strategic projects proposed to be implemented in governorates of Oman.

It also approved a report by the Food and Water Security Committee on a study about the future of frankincense trees in the Dhofar Governorate.

Additionally, the session elaborated on draft agreements with other countries. It endorsed the vision of the Services and Social Development Committee on a draft cooperation agreement in the field of maritime transport and ports between the governments of Oman and Egypt.

The session also endorsed draft air services agreements between Oman and a number of countries, including Tanzania, Guyana, Belize and Egypt.

It also endorsed the vision of the Economic and Financial Committee about a draft agreement on the avoidance of of double taxation and prevention of financial evasion—with regard to capital and income tax—between governments of Oman and Kazakhstan.

In addition, the session approved a draft agreement on the encouragement and mutual protection of investments between the governments of Oman and Iran.

The meeting was the last regular session during the 9th Term. The Shura Council has received Royal orders to adjourn the 4th annual convening of the 9th Term on 20 July 2023.

The session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Shura Council.