Government Push for Localisation in Oman’s Fisheries Sector: Key Implications for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT: Government representatives from the Sultanate of Oman are ramping up efforts at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Spain, aiming to underscore Oman’s strategic potential for investment. By showcasing its unique geographical advantages, abundant marine biodiversity, and advanced infrastructure—including world-class ports, cold storage facilities, and efficient supply chains—Oman seeks to localize its fisheries industries and enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
This year marks the first time Oman has established a unified national pavilion at the Seafood Expo Global, a strategic initiative that has sparked considerable international interest and engagement from global industry leaders. Noor Al Rawahi, Head of the Marketing Section at the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), noted, “The pavilion has received widespread acclaim for Omani seafood products. Industry experts have expressed a strong interest in investing or expanding their operations in Oman, particularly within Madayn’s industrial cities, thanks to the competitive incentives and integrated business environment supporting the fisheries sector and its related industries.”
Global Reach
The Sultanate’s participation is a key strategy to increase fish exports and enhance the global presence of Omani products. Eng. Asma Al Hinai, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, emphasized the focus on attracting quality investments in food processing and forging international partnerships with leaders in the seafood sector. She stated that this presence highlights Oman’s efforts in creating a fully integrated fisheries ecosystem, elevating product quality and supply chain efficiency to establish the Sultanate as a premier regional hub for high-quality marine products.
International Presence
Maryam Al Ismaili, representing the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), explained that the Authority’s involvement in the exhibition aims to enhance Omani seafood exports and support companies in expanding into global markets, particularly in Europe. She added that the event provides valuable opportunities for international partnerships within the seafood sector, serving as a significant platform to promote Omani seafood products and demonstrate their competitive quality and internationally recognized certifications.
Lubna Al Harthi, Export Development Director at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, also stressed that the collaborative efforts with Madayn and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources aim to bolster Omani products’ visibility in international markets and expand export opportunities. “The event has facilitated bilateral meetings with importers and potential partners, while offering insights into the latest trends and technologies in the seafood industry. Our participation supports the goal of enhancing non-oil exports and expanding the global footprint of Omani companies, contributing to economic diversification and competitiveness,” she added.
The Omani pavilion at the expo includes the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Madayn, and OPAZ, alongside eight Omani factories specializing in various fish processing and packaging activities.
This year’s Seafood Expo Global, the largest in its history, spans over 53,000 square meters and features participants from over 80 countries, with 62 national and regional pavilions. The event will also spotlight a dedicated platform for startups and innovators focusing on Aquatech, AI, and sustainable aquafeed within the global seafood industry.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s strategic participation in the Seafood Expo Global highlights its investment potential in the fisheries sector, providing an opportunity for businesses to leverage the country’s geographical advantages and robust infrastructure. This initiative not only enhances global visibility for Omani products but also creates risk and opportunity for investors to tap into emerging markets influenced by sustainability and technology advancements. Smart investors should consider aligning with Omani entities to capitalize on quality investments and international partnerships, as the sector fosters a diverse ecosystem ripe for growth.
