The Seventh Development Plan (covering the years 2000–2005) indicates the Government’s future intentions for the continuing development of the country’s economy:

Improving the utilization of economic resources owned by the Government, and increasing the capability of the associated equipment, and giving priority to the economic perspective when using these economic resources, and providing for the participation of the private sector in the following ways.

1. Making water a fundamental element and an important measure in evaluating economic capacity in Government and private sector projects.

2. Continuing to explore for and develop natural resources such as mineral and marine wealth.

3. Horizontal and vertical expansion in the petrochemical industry and derivatives of gas and petrol, through the private sector or through mixed (public/private ownership) companies.

4. Increasing the capacity for the refining of petroleum products as much as possible.