المستخلص: |
This study discusses the legal framework of investment in Sohar Free Zone pursuant to the provisions of the Omani Law, and it is based on the attempt of determining the role of Sohar Free Zone in Sohar itself as an effective economic tools that attracts foreign investments and stimulates local ones through studying the legal aspects and determining motivations, privileges, facilitations and guarantees provided by Sultanate of Oman for investor. The study aims at determining the body concerned of managing and operating Free Zones along with the activities allowed and prevented to be practiced in such areas. It also accentuates on recognizing the basis of investment in Free Zones by discussing their objectives in the hosting and investing countries, indicating factors affecting progress of obstacles of such areas along with recognizing the legal means supporting investment in Sohar Free Zone and comparing it with other zones under study. The most important conclusions of this study is that the Sultanate of Oman and countries of comparison did not include in their stipulations related to Free Zones indications of the mechanism followed by investors to settle investment disputes occurring between them and authorities in such countries or between them and other investors inside or outside Free Zones. The most important recommendations of the researcher in the study is that the Sultanate of Oman shall add guarantees supporting investment in their Free Zones in addition to those stipulated in Free Zones Statute and laws; such as concluding bilateral conventions with the investing countries as the investor would be sure about investing therein, and that the Sultanate of Oman has an Association or Commission for the Free Zones to be concerned of investing in Free Zones and subject to a unified clear investment policy. Lastly the study recommends of establishing a commercial arbitration center for supporting business environment in the Sultanate of Oman.
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