VOL XL

No. 02

13-January-1997

OMAN

Omani Budget Sees Increased Deficit In 1997

The Omani budget for 1997, published by theMinistry of Finance within the framework of the Fifth Five-Year Development Plan(1996-2000), foresees a fiscal deficit of OR263mn ($684mn), 21% over 1996's budgetedOR218mn ($567mn). The increase is due to a combination of higher subsidies for the privatesector, more current and investment spending within the civilian ministries category, andhigher spending on human resources...