São Paulo – The embassy of Oman to Brazil celebrated the 52nd National Day of the Sultanate this Monday (21) at the Porto Vittoria events venue in Brasília, with the presence of diplomats, authorities, and press. The Arab country’s ambassador, Talal Al-Rahbi, who took office less than a month ago, made the celebration an opportunity to tell participants about the economic advancements Oman has achieved since 1970, the strategic plan the country is implementing, and relations with Brazil.
The secretary for the Middle East, Europe, and Africa of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassador Kenneth da Nóbrega, spoke on behalf of the Brazilian chancellor, Carlos França. The International Relations vice president of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), Mohamad Mourad, also attended the celebration, representing the entity. Pictured above, Nóbrega (left) and Al-Rahbi (right).
The year 1970 is considered the beginning of Oman’s rebirth when reforms were implemented to modernize the country under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said. To about 200 guests, Al-Rahbi said since the beginning of the rebirth, Oman has sought to benefit from oil and gas revenues to transform its economy into a modern and developed nation, based on the principles of justice and free market, without neglecting the growth of the state and the modernization of its structure, preserving national culture, heritage, and identity.
The ambassador said Oman is carrying out the Vision 2040 roadmap, and this is a new phase for the country to overcome challenges and keep up with global and regional changes. The strategy aims to improve Oman’s position in innovation, governance, competitiveness, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) overall and per capita, foreign investment, private sector share in the job market, and the participation of non-oil sectors in the country’s economy.
Al-Rahbi said Oman and Brazil had had diplomatic relations since 1974, and they have progressed in recent decades, with the political relationship contributing to economic and trade ties growth. In addition to citing bilateral trade numbers, the ambassador spoke about the operation of the Brazilian mining company Vale in his country and invited Brazilian companies and investors to take advantage of the benefits of establishing partnerships and investing in Oman.
Currently, under the command of Sultan Haytham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, Oman grew 43.4% in the first nine months of this year compared to 2021, mainly driven “by the increase in oil prices and the strength of a hard-working people,” according to a release by the Omani embassy to Brasília. The Arab country has a GDP of USD 135.7 billion. The tourism sector is one of those contributing to the local economy. Coasted by the Arabian Sea, the secular culture, landscapes with mega dunes and mountains, and the capital Muscat are some of the country’s tourist attractions.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
