Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Fish Canning and Value-Added Products Complex, operated by the International Seafood Company (SIMAK), a subsidiary of Fisheries Development Oman (FDO). The event was graced by Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
According to Oman News Agency, the complex benefits from the resources provided by the Fish and Food Industries Zone and the Multipurpose Fishing Port within SEZAD. With an impressive production capacity of 100 million cans of fish annually, the facility began commercial production in March. Following the successful launch of canned tuna in local markets, the company is set to introduce canned sardines and mackerel in the coming months.
Minister Al Habsi emphasized the ongoing development of value-added industries within the fisheries sector. The inauguration of SIMAK is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the economic value of fi
sh products by attracting investments in such projects. The complex features two production lines dedicated to canning tuna and sardines, with the ability to process 30,000 tonnes annually and produce over 100 million cans each year. Raw materials are sourced from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local fishermen, aiming to boost local content. The project targets both local markets and regions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The Minister underscored the project’s role in Oman’s broader strategy for economic diversification and fisheries sector development, which is crucial to the national economy. The factory is poised to create numerous job opportunities for Omani youth and enhance the global presence of Omani products. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to supporting this vital sector, hoping this project will spur further initiatives that advance the fish industry and promote sustainable development in Oman.
Oman’s natural fisheries production saw a 13% increase from Jan
uary to July this year, reaching approximately 410,000 tonnes compared to 364,000 tonnes during the same period the previous year. The value of fish production also saw a 6% rise, from RO 261 million to RO 277 million. The fisheries sector’s contribution to the GDP at constant prices grew from RO 128.4 million in the first half of 2023 to RO 143.9 million in the first half of 2024, indicating a 12.1% growth rate.
Located in the Fish and Food Industries Zone, the Fish Canning and Value-Added Complex is less than three kilometers from the multi-purpose fishing port. Managed by a consortium under the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and France’s Port of Lorient, the port is one of Europe’s largest fishing ports. An upcoming tender for complementary works, including superstructure and utility network projects, aims to bolster the port’s objectives in developing the fish and food industries sector.
Sheikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ),
highlighted the significance of the complex within SEZAD’s Fish and Food Industries Zone. Over the years, the zone has successfully attracted numerous factories specializing in fish processing and manufacturing. OPAZ is keen on further developing the area to attract more food industries, taking advantage of its proximity to the multi-purpose fishing port.
Al Sunaidy noted that OPAZ is expanding the Fish and Food Industries Zone to maximize the economic value of fisheries and develop other food industry sectors. A plot of land has been designated for veterinary and agricultural quarantine to facilitate the import of livestock, fruits, and vegetables from East African countries. He affirmed that expansion plans are aligned with the completion of essential services, including electricity, water, and infrastructure. The detailed master plan for the zone’s first phase is finalized, with work progressing on awarding contracts for internal roads and infrastructure development.
Zakaria Sulaiman Al Hassani, CEO of S
imak, expressed his satisfaction with the complex’s official inauguration, aiming to provide high-quality canned fish products to consumers. He affirmed the company’s commitment to adhering to global quality standards in production processes, ensuring all products undergo rigorous testing in company laboratories to meet quality standards and specifications.