Oxford Business Group (OBG), the leading global publishing, research and consultancy firm, has launched Oman business guide, which maps out the sultanate's economic success story.

There is also an in-depth analysis of the transformation witnessed throughout Oman during the past four decades, commemorating the 40-year anniversary of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said’s rule.

The Report: Oman 2010, which marks OBG’s sixth anniversary of documenting the Sultanate’s economic activity and investment opportunities, was launched at the Grand Hyatt, Muscat.

The report includes a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for investors, together with a wide range of interviews with the most prominent political, economic and business leaders.

OBG’s new report explores Oman’s achievements in diversifying its economy while fending off the worst of the world financial crisis, including the effective steps it has taken to attract foreign investment and its ambitious plans for developing the tourism sector.

Sultan Qaboos gives his views on Oman’s economic development, together with those of many high-profile international personalities, including Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan and Malcolm Brinded, executive director, Upstream International, Royal Dutch Shell.

Also featured are interviews with key figures from the local political arena, including Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmood Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy, Mohammed bin Hamed Al Ruhmy, Minister of Oil and Gas, Khamis Al Alawi, Minister of Transport and Communications and Maqbool Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The Report: Oman 2010 charts the Sultanate’s progress in the areas of business that are helping it to expand beyond hydrocarbons, particularly the downstream industry.

The guide looks in detail at the incentives which the government is making available to international investors, such as boosting free zones to include downstream clusters and adding to its ever-growing list of free trade agreements.

OBG maps out the significant number of industrial estates and parks opening their doors in the Sohar and Salalah regions, which are proving -to be leading lights in economic expansion thanks to the attractive business environment they offer and their easy access to international markets.

OBG’s new report explores Oman’s bid to carve out a niche for itself as a high-end tourist destination. There is comprehensive analysis of the wealth of projects on the horizon, which are set to produce widespread investment opportunities, as the government moves to ensure that the country has the necessary infrastructure and facilities in place to cater for five-star visitors.

“Oman has weathered the financial crisis better than many countries, while keeping on track with its long-term goals,” said Abby Lindenberg, OBG’s regional director.-Tradearabia News Service