NEW YORK: Fitch Ratings has upgraded Oman’s credit rating to “BB” with a stable outlook. The upgrade reflects the significant improvements in Oman’s fiscal and economic metrics, lower external financing pressures highlighting the government’s continued commitments and fiscal control towards reforms as per the Medium Term Fiscal Plan, as well as higher oil prices.
In its report, Fitch forecasts a budget surplus in 2022 and 2023 of 5.5 percent and 3.4 percent of GDP, respectively, which is the first surplus recorded since 2013. Further, Fitch estimates a rise in real GDP to 4.4 percent in 2022 from 3 percent in 2021 and 2.8 percent in 2023.
Fitch projects a decline in government debt to GDP in 2022 to 46.7 percent and 44.9 percent in 2023. Additionally, the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) debt to GDP is expected to decline in 2022.
Furthermore, it has stated that Oman has successfully fulfilled its 2022 funding requirements and reduced 2023 external maturities to $1.7 billion as part of its liability management.
Fitch expects a positive Sovereign Net Foreign Assets position in 2022. The gross foreign reserves of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) are estimated to strengthen in 2022-2023 due to Current Account Surpluses.
It is worth noting that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Oman’s credit rating to “BB-” with a stable outlook in April 2022. Additionally, Moody’s in October 2021 has revised its outlook from negative to stable.
Recently, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said that Oman has succeeded in facing the economic challenges during the pandemic and the crisis of low global oil prices.
The report touched on the increase in FDI, which stood at 19 percent in the first quarter of 2022, and an increase in non-oil exports in 2021, in addition to organising a number of conferences, including the investment conference ‘Oman for Renewable Energy in London in July. It witnessed a strong presence of multinational companies which have implemented various projects in Oman and are seeking to invest again. – ONA
