There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier. – Charles F. Kettering, American engineer

March is the month of new beginnings, the advent of spring and of new life. That's why we thought it's the ideal time to take a look at Sohar, which over the next few months, will change the face of the Batinah region and its contribution to the sultanate’s economy. It's the new branch line, with world-class infrastructure facilities and geographical advantage, which will take pressure off Muscat.

The groundwork was laid over the last four years, and as Jan Meijer, CEO of Sohar Industrial Port Company says, it is now time to reap the fruits of all that labour. Though Sohar is projected to contribute 3-4 per cent to the GDP in a few years, the focus is not restricted to manufacturing. The hospitality industry has been quick to spot the opportunity and multinationals like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Swiss-Belhotel International have already moved in.

March is also the month of spring-cleaning, of throwing out excess baggage that bogs you down.

What can be better than a look at success stories of individuals who have worked their way up the corporate ladder?

These are people who were not born with the proverbial silver spoon in the mouth, but have etched their success stories with perseverance, hard work and an ability to dream.

Laila Suhail, the first woman CEO of Dubai Shopping Festival, with her girl next-door look is a force to reckon with. Starting off as a coordinator for DSF in 1996, in 12 years she is now at the helm of affairs of the biggest shopping festival in the region.

So is that of Vijay Kumar, the managing director of Jotun Oman. His is the story of the coming of age of a small-town boy from a middle class family who joined a multinational as a chemist and went on to become the first Asian general manager in that company’s 70-year history.

We also take a look at the success of the electricity sector's privatisation. It has been so successful that the government is considering the same for other utilities.

Mohana Prabhakar
mohana@apexstuff.com
Managing editor