Tuesday 23 / June / 2026
Muscat: The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) signed a memorandum of cooperation on Tuesday.
The memorandum aims to enhance institutional partnership between the two sides in the fields of exchanging statistical data and information, executing economic studies and research, and developing national capacities in statistical, informational, and research fields. This strategic step contributes to supporting the national data ecosystem and enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment in the Sultanate of Oman.
The memorandum was signed on behalf of the NCSI by Dr. Khalifa Abdullah Al Barwani, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre. On behalf of the OCCI, it was signed by Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the OCCI, and HH Sayyid Dr. Adham Turki Al Said, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Studies and Research Centre, in the presence of several officials and specialists from both sides.
This memorandum comes within the framework of efforts aimed at enhancing integration among national institutions and developing mechanisms for the exchange of data and information of mutual interest. The agreement seeks to achieve the optimal utilisation of available knowledge and statistical resources and contributes to providing accurate and up-to-date indicators that support strategic planning and decision-making across various economic and developmental sectors.
Furthermore, the memorandum aims to expand areas of cooperation in exchanging statistical and economic data and information, utilising them in preparing specialised studies, research, and reports. It also aims to organise joint training programmes and workshops that contribute to developing national competencies and raising their capabilities in the fields of statistical and economic analysis and data management.
The document also stipulates supporting joint initiatives and projects that enhance data quality and expand the scope of its utilisation to serve the needs of both the public and private sectors. This joint effort contributes to building an integrated knowledge base that supports anticipating economic trends and measuring the impact of developmental policies and programs.
Dr. Khalifa Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of the NCSI, affirmed that signing the memorandum embodies the Centre's keenness to consolidate the approach of partnership and integration with various national institutions. This stems from the pivotal role played by data and statistics in supporting sustainable development and enhancing the efficiency of planning and decision-making.
He explained that the NCSI continues its efforts to develop an integrated national data and statistics ecosystem based on quality, reliability, and integration to keep pace with the growing requirements of economic and social development. He pointed out that cooperation with the OCCI and the Chamber's Economic Studies and Research Centre will contribute to expanding the scope of utilising economic and commercial data and employing it more effectively to serve the private sector and the national economy.
He added that this memorandum represents a significant step toward enhancing integration between data producers and users by providing more comprehensive and accurate indicators and information. It also supports economic studies and analyses based on reliable data, which will contribute to raising the quality of research outputs and providing knowledge tools that help anticipate future economic opportunities and challenges.
He noted that the Centre attaches great importance to promoting data culture and expanding the areas of its utilisation across various sectors. He emphasised that joint cooperation will open new horizons for implementing qualitative initiatives and programs that contribute to developing national capacities in the fields of statistics, information, and economic analysis. This actively supports efforts to build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the OCCI, affirmed that signing the memorandum of cooperation with the NCSI aligns with the trajectory of enhancing institutional integration and developing the economic knowledge ecosystem. This contributes to consolidating a culture of data-driven decision-making and supports the private sector's efforts in keeping pace with economic transformations and anticipating future investment opportunities.
He stated that reliable data and statistics are no longer mere supporting tools for economic work; rather, they have become a fundamental pillar in formulating policies, drafting strategies, guiding investments, and measuring the impact of developmental initiatives. He pointed out that this memorandum serves to enhance cooperation with the NCSI as the national reference for official data, enabling the optimal use of national indicators and statistics in supporting economic studies and analyses, and providing the private sector with accurate information that contributes to raising the efficiency of planning and decision-making.
He added that the Chamber views economic knowledge as one of the main enablers for enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment. Therefore, it pays increasing attention to developing its research and analytical capabilities and preparing economic studies, reports, opinion polls, and business indicators that reflect market realities and support decision-makers in both the public and private sectors.
He indicated that the memorandum establishes a new phase of constructive cooperation between the two sides in the areas of exchanging statistical data and information, executing joint studies and research, developing specialised knowledge bases, and qualifying national cadres and building capacities in economic and statistical analysis. This enhances the quality of research outputs and elevates the level of economic monitoring and analysis.
He further explained that the Chamber, as the official representative of the private sector, is keen on building strategic partnerships with competent national institutions. This ensures the provision of a more integrated and reliable informational environment and contributes to enhancing the private sector's role as an active partner in economic development. This partnership, he noted, reflects the national orientation toward maximising the utilisation of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development, enhancing economic readiness, and raising the efficiency of economic policies and initiatives, ultimately bolstering the Sultanate of Oman's position as an attractive environment for investment and business.
HH Sayyid Dr. Adham bin Turki Al Said, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Studies and Research Centre at the Chamber, affirmed that signing this memorandum reflects the national direction toward enhancing institutional integration and unifying efforts among relevant entities in the fields of economic studies, research, and analysis. This synergy heavily contributes to supporting a decision-making ecosystem based on accurate data and specialised scientific knowledge.
He pointed out that this memorandum comes as an extension of the Economic Studies and Research Centre's approach to building effective partnerships with various relevant national institutions. This enhances the exchange of expertise and the integration of roles in preparing qualitative economic studies, developing analytical tools, and raising the quality of economic indicators, keeping pace with the rapid transformations witnessed by the national, regional, and international economy.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Studies and Research Centre added that the Economic Studies and Research Centre undertakes the preparation of specialised economic studies and reports, opinion polls, and the analysis of economic issues related to internal and external economic affairs. This makes national data and statistics a fundamental pillar in building economic knowledge and preparing studies that support decision-makers and chart future directions.
He emphasised that enhancing this cooperation will contribute to producing significant economic knowledge that supports decision-makers, assists in anticipating future opportunities and challenges, and enhances the efficiency of economic performance in line with comprehensive development targets.
This memorandum embodies the shared keenness of the NCSI, the OCCI, and the Economic Studies and Research Centre to build an effective strategic partnership. This alliance contributes to developing an integrated national statistics and information ecosystem, supporting sustainable economic and social development efforts, and providing decision-makers and the private sector with reliable data and indicators that directly contribute to achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
