Duqm hub plans highlight economic challenge

摘要

Oman is banking on the creation of industrial hubs along its long coastline to help diversify its economy, generate more revenue streams for the government and provide more jobs. But with limited hydrocarbon resources and falling gas reserves the country has to bank on the promise of unconventional gas to see through its latest diversification plan. Oman sees a greater urgency for eco- nomic diversification than its Mideast Gulf neighbours, which have managed to keep a lid on domestic discontent through large public spending programmes funded by bulging oil revenues. The country wit- nessed protests during the Arab Spring, with grievances centred on economic issues.