Gulf Capital Market Association Holds Conference to Review Investment Opportunities
Muscat, 12 Jun (ONA) --- The Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA) today held a conference in Muscat to review major investment challenges and opportunities in regional capital markets and ways to develop a more attractive investment environment.
The conference was attended by 150 participants, including senior executives from financial institutions, asset managers, representatives of investment funds and analysts from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy.
The conference laid emphasis on the importance of economic diversification, means of enhancing financial stability and the role of institutional reforms in supporting sustainable development.
Panel discussions at the conference discussed developments in regional credit ratings, corporate financing mechanisms (through debt instruments, notably in the small and medium enterprises sector) and opportunities for integration among GCC financial markets.
The conference also underscored the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in developing investment tools and expanding the base of investors, in addition to the importance of regulatory coordination among markets.
Haitham Salim Al Salmi, CEO of Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), explained that MSX is undergoing a phase of accelerated growth driven by strategic listings and regulatory developments.
Al Salmi added that market capitalization of MSX stood at RO 28.4 billion, supported by five major listings since 2023. This, he observed, affirms the growing depth of MSX, as well as investor confidence.
Al Salmi stressed that MSX pursues a clear-cut strategy towards transition into “emerging stock exchange” status, expansion in international partnerships and adoption of principles of sustainability in investment activities, in line with the approaches of Oman Vision 2040.
The conference was organized by the Gulf Capital Market Association in cooperation with MSX. It highlights the commitment of MSX to consolidate the Sultanate of Oman’s position as an advanced financial centre. It also reflects the stock market’s keenness to provide an integrated investment environment to keep pace with the best international practices.
--- Ends/Bishara/AG
