The potential of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a means of developing ports: Evidence from Oman

This article examines the potential of foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing
the port sector in Oman. Data was collected through an administered questionnaire
with a sample of 110 respondents selected randomly from three ports: Sohar,
Salalah and Sultan Qaboos. The study used SWOT analysis, Chi-square and t-test to
establish that the strategic location of the country, social and political stability, easy
access to skilled manpower from neighbouring countries and good infrastructure
are the main factors that attract FDI to Oman’s port sector. The benefits of FDI
to Omani ports include providing access to capital, bringing new organizational and
managerial practices, creating more jobs, supplementing domestic investment and
transferring advanced technology.