Duqm set to host Oman’s second biggest food industries hub

Duqm set to host Oman’s second biggest food industries hub

A strategic move by Oman's authorities to scale up a fisheries port and adjoining fish processing complex under construction at the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ) into wider hub for all kinds of food industries, effectively paves the way for the establishment of a dedicated food cluster on the Sultanate's southeastern coast.A decision to this effect was adopted at the maiden meeting of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) late last year.The Authority, which governs all of Oman's SEZs and free zone developments, has since authorised a study to chart the way for the conversion of the fisheries port and fish processing park into a multipurpose gateway equipped to handle, in addition to fisheries, agro and meat produce as well.Plans for the adjacent fish processing park will be similarly revamped to accommodate all kinds of food, agro and fisheries related investments.Details about the emerging food cluster in Duqm have been outlined in the latest edition of Duqm Economist, the quarterly newsletter of OPAZ, issued earlier this week.When operational, in a phased manner, Duqm has the potential to replicate the model adopted by Sohar Port and Freezone, which currently hosts the