Pact signed to develop a fishing hub in Duqm

Muscat: The Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm (Sezad) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC) to develop a fish hub in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZD), including processing, laboratories, logistics and other support facilities.
Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, Chairman of Sezad, signed the MoU on behalf of Sezad, while Dr. Fuad bin Jaafar Al Sajwani, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, signed it on behalf of the second party.
The MoU aims at enhancing cooperation between the two parties in the development of a new fish hub in SEZD leading to sustainable fishing, sustainable production processes, production planning, season extension, packaging, trade promotion, certification and food safety excellence.
Development of many facilities
The MoU provides for the development of the fishery harbour facilities and adjacent landing areas for fish together with support services to processing facilities; ensuring integrated supply chain for raw material processing and export of final product; interaction with local fishing communities in Duqm and surrounding areas for sourcing fish through sustainable and responsible management.
It will also provide appropriate site for seafood processing cluster with adequate land for expansion and provision of water and electricity for processing site for the near future together with road access to the facility to a required standard.
OFIC is the investment arm of the Government of the Sultanate in the field of food security. Established in 2012,it aims to boostOman's food security and economic well-being by investing in domestic and international food projects in partnership with local investment funds and investment companies from inside and outside the Sultanate.