Phase 1 of e-payment implementation programme complete

Phase 1 of e-payment implementation programme complete

Muscat – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has announced that it is carrying out inspection campaigns to ensure the availability of electronic payment services in the country.

A statement issued by MoCIIP, said, ‘As part of the efforts to achieve digital transformation in the sultanate in line with Oman Vision 2040, the ministry’s inspection teams are visiting shops to ensure the availability of electronic payment services in wilayats across Oman.’

MoCIIP confirmed that Phase 1 of its implementation programme has been completed, covering all activities in industrial areas and complexes, commercial centres, gift markets, food sales including restaurants and cafes, fruit and vegetable vendors, building materials, tobacco, gold and silver shops, and transactions involving electronic items.

The ministry, in cooperation with competent authorities, made the electronic payment option mandatory in commercial activities from January 1, 2022.

‘Central Bank of Oman, in coordination with banks and service providers, has provided point-of-sale devices to merchants without installation or annual/monthly fees to private sector institutions. Only fees for merchant transactions specified by CBO are applicable,’ MoCIIP stated.

The ministry urged all businesses and companies to commit to providing electronic payment options in their shops and outlets.