The State Council convened its ninth session of the third ordinary term of the eighth council period on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council. The meeting focused on key national issues including food security, government performance management, and the business environment in Oman.
In his opening remarks, Shaikh Abdulmalik extended congratulations to members on the occasion of the New Hijri Year and praised a recent collaborative meeting with the Council of Ministers, describing it as productive and reflective of ongoing coordination between the two bodies. He emphasized that such cooperation aims to align national development plans with shared strategic visions.
The session addressed three primary agenda items. The first concerned a unified law project on managing plant genetic resources for food and agriculture across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Dr. Abdulkarim al Lawati, Rapporteur of the Social and Cultural Committee, outlined that the proposed legislation seeks to standardize the collection, preservation, evaluation, and classification of plant genetic materials. It also intends to regulate the exchange of these resources among GCC member states and facilitate data access for researchers and scientific institutions. Dr. al Lawati highlighted the law’s potential to bolster food security by safeguarding agricultural biodiversity and promoting environmentally compatible farming practices within the region.
The second topic reviewed a study on enhancing the framework for government performance management in Oman. Mohammed al Shehhi, Rapporteur of the Economic and Financial Committee, noted the Sultanate’s steady progress in this area, propelled by strong royal directives reflected in national development visions and sectoral strategies. The study recommended strengthening the legislative and regulatory environment, fostering integration among responsible units, advancing digital transformation, and cultivating government leadership able to meet performance objectives effectively.
The final discussion focused on a report titled “Analysis of the Business Environment in the Sultanate of Oman: Practical Steps to Enhance Entrepreneurship.” Mohammed al Ghassani, Rapporteur of the Special Committee, underscored that improving the business environment has shifted from a reform option to a strategic imperative essential for increasing Oman’s economic competitiveness both regionally and internationally. The study identified challenges across regulatory, institutional, operational, and sectoral dimensions. While acknowledging that relevant laws and policies are largely established, al Ghassani pointed to implementation gaps as a critical hindrance. The recommendations aim to address these shortcomings to foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship.
Overall, the State Council’s session highlighted ongoing efforts to advance national priorities in food security, government efficiency, and economic development through targeted legislation and policy improvements.