The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has officially inaugurated the Fish Canning and Value-Added Products Complex, operated by the International Seafood Company (Simak), a subsidiary of Fisheries Development Oman (FDO).
The event, attended by Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, and Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), marks a significant milestone in Oman’s efforts to boost its fisheries sector.
Located within SEZAD’s Fish and Food Industries Zone and supported by the adjacent multipurpose fishing port, the facility has a production capacity of 100 million fish cans annually. Commercial operations began in March, with canned tuna already launched in local markets. Plans are underway to introduce additional products, including sardines and mackerel, in the near future.
Enhancing Economic Value and Local Content
Dr. Al Habsi emphasized that the fisheries sector is a key driver of Oman’s economic diversification, with value-added projects like Simak playing a vital role. The complex includes two production lines with a combined annual processing capacity of 30,000 tonnes and relies on raw materials sourced from local SMEs and fishermen, supporting the growth of local content.
The project targets both domestic and regional markets across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), aligning with Oman’s vision to strengthen its non-oil sectors. It is also expected to create significant employment opportunities for Omani youth and boost the presence of Omani products in international markets.
Growth in Fisheries Sector
Oman’s natural fisheries production increased by 13% from January to July this year, reaching 410,000 tonnes, compared to 364,000 tonnes during the same period last year. The value of fish production also rose by 6%, from RO 261 million to RO 277 million. The sector’s contribution to the GDP grew by 12.1%, reaching RO 143.9 million in the first half of 2024.
Strategic Development in SEZAD
The Fish Canning Complex is part of a broader strategy to develop SEZAD’s Fish and Food Industries Zone, which currently hosts seven factories specializing in fish processing. OPAZ is actively expanding the zone to attract more food industry investments and maximize the economic value of fisheries.
Dr. Al Sunaidy highlighted ongoing plans to enhance the zone’s infrastructure, including a plot allocated for veterinary and agricultural quarantine to facilitate imports from East Africa.
To date, SEZAD has signed 17 agreements in the fish and food industries sector, with nine projects operational, five under construction, and three in the planning phase. These projects span various sectors, including frozen fish, fish oil, meal production, and ice manufacturing.
Commitment to Quality and Partnerships
Zakaria bin Sulaiman Al Hassani, CEO of Simak, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to global quality standards, with all products undergoing rigorous testing to ensure compliance. Simak has also established partnerships with local suppliers and fishermen to secure a steady supply of fresh fish and collaborated with Omani firms for marketing and distribution.
The complex features advanced facilities for processing, cold storage, and finished goods storage, leveraging its strategic location near raw material sources and key markets to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
