OPAZ Awards Consultancy Tender for Cold Chain Economic Cluster: Implications for Future Investment Opportunities in Oman
مسقط: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has successfully awarded the consultancy services tender for the Integrated Economic Cluster for Cold Chain Development in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). This initiative is a key component of the National Programme for Economic Diversification, known as “Tanwea,” overseen by the Ministry of Economy, and aims to bolster Oman’s food and logistics sectors.
The consultancy contract has been granted to Egolisi Consulting for Modest Business Solutions, an Omani small and medium enterprise (SME) focused on management and strategic consultancy.
Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, emphasized that the Duqm Cold Chain Project aligns with ongoing efforts in the fisheries and food industries. He pointed out that Al Duqm’s advanced infrastructure—including a multipurpose fishing port, logistics facilities, and a well-developed road network—creates an optimal environment for the project’s success.
“The cold chain cluster will enhance Al Duqm’s position as a strategic hub for food and logistics, helping to attract new investments and generate high-value opportunities,” he stated.
Jamal bin Mousa al Wahaibi, Deputy Head of Integrated Economic Clusters at Tanwea, regarded the award of the tender as a significant milestone for the project’s activation. “This step will expand the production and export base, empowering various sub-sectors to increase their contributions to GDP and reinforcing connections between different economic sectors,” he remarked.
Al Wahaibi further noted that the initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to establish Al Duqm as a leading regional logistics gateway for cold chain industries, thereby supporting national objectives to diversify income sources and enhance non-oil exports.
Talib bin Amer al Hinai, CEO of Egolisi Consulting, expressed pride in the selection, underlining the government’s confidence in Omani SMEs to execute complex and strategic projects. “This consultancy provides us with an opportunity to showcase local firms’ capabilities in developing comprehensive, impactful solutions,” he stated. “Egolisi is particularly committed to creating integrated strategies for cold chain and modern logistics systems that align with Oman’s long-term economic goals.”
Al Hinai assured that the company would utilize local expertise and innovative techniques to devise a comprehensive master plan aimed at positioning Al Duqm as a regional hub for cold chain industries serving the food, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors.
The Cold Chain Economic Cluster Project aspires to establish a robust and cohesive logistics ecosystem in Al Duqm, enhancing the efficiency, quality, and reliability of temperature-controlled supply chains. It is expected to improve export quality, maximize the economic value of non-oil exports, and ensure that Omani products comply with international standards for effective global market competition.
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راهاندازی Integrated Economic Cluster for Cold Chain Development in Duqm signifies a pivotal shift for businesses in Oman, particularly in the food and logistics sectors. This initiative not only attracts investment opportunities but also poses a risk for traditional supply chains that may struggle to adapt. Smart investors should focus on aligning with emerging trends in cold chain logistics and consider partnerships with Omani SMEs to leverage local expertise, ensuring a robust position in the evolving marketplace.
