Friday 04 / October / 2024
Muscat: Omani products are experiencing significant and positive consumer demand, both among citizens and residents the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), said in a statement on Tuesday.
This aligns with the ongoing 'Made in Oman' campaign organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), along with the Joint Committee for External Exhibitions of Omani Products (OPEX). The campaign is taking place across various commercial centres in different provinces of Oman and will continue until the end of December 2023.
The MoCIIP highlighted that Omani products have a good reputation internationally for their quality and efficiency, with competitive exports reaching over 130 countries worldwide in sectors such as construction, food, and other promising industries. The campaign is playing a role in enhancing public awareness regarding the importance of purchasing Omani products, supporting Omani producers and exporters, and drawing global attention to the quality of Omani products. The collaborative efforts of local and international companies investing in Oman also contribute significantly to the success of the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign.
Several officials in local companies and factories have affirmed that the popularity of various local products is attributed to the quality and standard specifications that Omani products possess. These qualities enable them to compete in both the local and global markets.
They emphasise that purchasing Omani products constitutes support for the national economy, contributing to increased economic returns and boosting the gross domestic product (GDP). They appreciate the efforts of the relevant authorities in organising the campaign, anticipating that it will enhance the national identity by promoting local products and contribute to building a positive and patriotic reputation.
The ‘Made in Oman’ campaign aims to introduce and promote national products in the local market. It also seeks to promote the new national product identity logo, encourage industrial establishments to obtain a licence for the national product identity, boost local consumer confidence in national products as the first choice, highlight their quality and competitiveness, and create a typical image of the diversity of the Omani industry. Additionally, the campaign aims to increase integration between industrial establishments and small and medium enterprises, strengthen partnerships among them, enhance consumer loyalty to local products, and establish communication channels between producers and consumers.
Badr bin Mubarak al Hajri, the head of the Anti-Dumping Department at the MoCIIP, stated that the department provides various services to regulate and protect business practitioners from all forms of practices that undermine competition. He highlighted that among these services is the implementation of necessary measures to combat the policy of dumping, in addition to preventing monopolies and dominance.
The objective is to reinforce the principle of fair competition and regulate the proportions of market share acquisition without causing harm to any involved party, as achieving fair competition is an essential element for contributing to economic growth.
Al Hajri added that the MoCIIP, in collaboration with relevant entities, has overseen the implementation of several policies to support national products and combat unfair competition. This is in accordance with the principles regulated within the framework of the Anti-Dumping Law, compensatory and preventive measures, and the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Law.
He pointed out that the department has undertaken various actions to defend the interests of the national industry, including investigations conducted by several foreign countries against Omani exports. This includes the settlement of complaints related to monopolistic practices that undermine competition, working towards removing any restrictions on competition after thorough investigation, research, and information gathering to uncover the reasons behind such practices.
Al Hajri also highlighted the success in implementing anti-dumping measures on imports from several foreign countries engaged in unfair competition in the local market. He urged all companies and producers of national products to benefit from these services, encouraging them to visit the ministry for further clarification and necessary support for those wishing to proceed with the procedures in this context.
Sheikh Dr Hilal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hinai, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Omani Manufacturers Association, stated that the association diligently collaborates with national factories to promote local products through various efforts, including working with MoCIIP and the OCCI to organise exhibitions. The association holds exhibitions to showcase and promote local products, allowing manufacturers to display their products and directly interact with potential customers. Through these exhibitions, marketing efforts, and advertising, the goal is to enhance local products.
He explained that the association provides opportunities for factories to advertise their marketing campaigns and multiple advertisements through the association's website. Advertising campaigns and social media channels are also launched to raise awareness about local products and enhance their value among the public.
The Omani Manufacturers Association works to strengthen cooperation between national factories and the government, encouraging the purchase and utilisation of local products in government projects and tenders to boost support and demand for local products. The association actively participated in the launch of the mandatory list and collaborated extensively with the Secretariat General of the Tender Board. Additionally, the association organises joint meetings between factories and relevant authorities to present their needs.
Furthermore, he added that the Omani Manufacturers Association collaborates with government institutions to develop industrial policies and legislation, aiming to support and enhance the local industry sector. This involves improving the business environment and providing incentives, financial support, and technical assistance to national factories. The association contributes to industrial research that enhances the understanding of challenges and opportunities facing the local industry, identifying market needs, and promoting competitiveness through information exchange with government institutions.
The association also focuses on training and developing the skills of workers and industrial professionals through organising training courses and workshops. The aim is to enhance the capabilities of national factories, elevate the quality and innovation in their production, and promote Omani products through organising local and international industrial exhibitions and events.
Engineer Saif bin Ali al Busaidi, the General Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel Company, stated, "Since the commencement of its operations in the Sultanate of Oman in 2010, Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel Company has been keeping pace with the comprehensive development journey in the country, proving itself as a reliable partner and an active contributor in this progress. With the initiation of new proposed projects currently underway, the company will contribute to enriching the national economy and participating in achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040."
"We work on aligning our goals for local added value with national priorities, regardless of the ongoing investments in assets and technology. These goals include a series of initiatives, such as providing job and business opportunities, supporting skilled labour, and bolstering local industries. Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel Company is driven by the values of innovation and progressive thinking, which is reflected in how we play our role in establishing a more sustainable integrated local system," he added.
Engineer Saif Al Busaidi affirmed that Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel Company, the largest producer of iron and steel in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, continues to strengthen its position as a catalyst for economic development in the Sultanate of Oman.
He explained that the company has increased its production capacity to reach 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, reaffirming its commitment to providing local added value and creating new job opportunities. Furthermore, the group is investing in a carbon capture pilot plant at the Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel facility in Sohar, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. The facility aims to capture a maximum of 7 tonnes of carbon dioxide daily on a trial basis, reflecting the group's commitment to environmental conservation and reducing carbon emissions in its operational practices.
Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel Company is a global leader in the iron and steel sector, committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability. The company offers a diverse range of products with new industry standards and has a strong presence in the global market.
The company has highlighted the role of innovation in enhancing productivity and manufacturing value, committing to a sustainability agenda. Through data analysis and smart solutions, Jindal Shadeed has innovated advanced processes that have led to a reduction in carbon emissions and mitigated the negative impact on the environment.
He urged factories in Oman to commit to core operations, ecological business systems, sustainability, enhance energy efficiency, and promote workforce training. These are essential in adhering to the best international practices, and companies need to be environmentally conscious and nature-aware.
Engineer Mohammed bin Suhail Al Shanfari, CEO of A’Saffa Foods Company, said that the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign contributes to introducing various Omani products in retail outlets across Oman. It allows consumers to closely acquaint themselves with the quality of diverse Omani products.
He pointed out that the campaign serves as a vital platform, providing a good opportunity to showcase various local products, including those of A’Saffa Foods. Additionally, the campaign works to enhance the reputation and social standing of companies, while also increasing the sales rate for these companies.
Engineer Mohammed bin Suhail al Shanfari explained that A’Saffa Foods Company was established in 2001 and is the largest integrated poultry production project in the Sultanate of Oman. It is considered one of the leading Omani companies contributing to food security in the country.
The company owns an integrated poultry farm in Thumrait, Dhofar Governorate, covering a total area of 50 square kilometres. It has multiple branches that cater to the needs of the local market. Additionally, A’Saffa is involved in the food industry through A’Saffa Food Processing, established in 2011, with a production capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes of value-added products such as burgers and nuggets.
"The company produces approximately 130,000 to 140,000 birds daily through its farms in Thumrait, which are slaughtered and processed in the company's modern slaughterhouse equipped with advanced technology and supervised by specialised technical teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality products to consumers,” he said.
“The company's annual production reaches 44,000 metric tonnes of poultry meat, marketed through an integrated network covering all governorates and regions of Oman. The company also owns a fleet of trucks equipped with the latest cooling technologies to ensure the delivery of its products with high quality that meets consumer satisfaction," he added.
The CEO of A’Saffa Foods highlighted that the company has modern and technologically advanced hatcheries, with a total production of 44.5 million chicks annually. It also operates 180 poultry houses with a capacity of 32,000 birds per house, controlled automatically and securely with high standards. The company has a feed manufacturing plant with modern and advanced technologies, producing 50 metric tonnes per hour. Furthermore, A’Saffa owns a modern and advanced slaughterhouse compliant with Islamic Sharia law, with a production capacity of up to 12,000 birds per hour and a daily production estimated at around 140,000 birds.
The company has established 90 modern farms utilising the latest technologies in poultry care, improving the production environment and leading to increased product quality and production efficiency. Additionally, the company possesses modern warehouses for effective product storage, enhancing its ability to meet growing demand while maintaining product quality. It has also built a laboratory equipped with the latest technologies to ensure the quality and safety of its products.
Rashid bin Ahmed bin Abdullah al Housani, the Head of Omani Wools Turbans Factory, emphasised the numerous benefits of the ‘Made in Oman’ campaign. One of the most important advantages is raising consumer awareness about brands and encouraging them to buy local products.
He pointed out that direct communication with customers helps them understand their opinions on these products.
Al Housani said that Omani Wools Turbans Factory, which specialises in producing Omani masar, shawls, scarves, headscarves, and Izaar, has an annual production capacity of 100,000 metres. The products are available in the local, Gulf and global markets, as well as in the Levant and East Africa. The factory is known for its quick supply and production, creating designs and patterns inspired by the Omani environment, which are popular among Omani consumers. Additionally, it easily fulfils special orders.
"Masar is an essential element in shaping the formal identity of Omani men for many decades. Therefore, paying attention to it as an essential aspect of this identity is important.”
“Having a local factory dedicated to the production of Omani masar, with contemporary production conditions and machinery that reflect a close connection to contemporary production climates and market trends, makes Omani Wools Turbans Factory the first local factory to produce under global production conditions.”
“This is a significant advantage, especially in the context of a local product making its presence felt within the market's needs, along with the focus on consolidating a new aesthetic culture around the Omani Masar," he further added.
