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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Special spotlight on Oman’s SEZs, free zones in new analysis

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A new focus report, produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG) in partnership with Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and Centralized Utilities Company, Marafiq, shines a spotlight on investment opportunities opening up in industry, logistics and energy as efforts to diversify the economy intensify.


The analysis explores the developments taking place at the sultanate’s special economic zones and free zones in an easy-to-navigate and accessible format, supported by key data and infographics.


It provides detailed coverage of the way in which fiscal incentives, infrastructure projects and robust connectivity to external markets are combining to attract businesses to OPAZ-affiliated zones.


The rollout of advanced transport infrastructure is a particular focal point. In this section, the report considers the part that new facilities and services, such as digitalised logistics infrastructure, have played in boosting Oman’s trade capacity and enabling companies to efficiently transport goods, both internally and farther afield.


Oman’s drive to encourage value-added production and downstream processing at OPAZ-affiliated zones, while harnessing the country’s abundant hydrocarbon resources to support businesses in these segments, is also mapped out.


In addition, the report highlights the opportunities emerging in renewable energy and green hydrogen, as the sultanate works towards reaching its target to be a net-zero economy by 2050.


It also shines a spotlight on OPAZ’s growth story, tracking the milestones reached and their close alignment with the objectives laid out in Oman’s Vision 2040 roadmap for economic diversification and sustainable development.


The report includes a wide-ranging interview with Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman, OPAZ, in which he explains how Oman’s strengths, including its geographical position, are supporting efforts to attract foreign direct investment and drive industrial growth.


“As a link between east and west, Oman’s strategic location in the global supply chain is beneficial for investors, thanks in part to its proximity to shipping lanes that are home to the majority of the world’s commercial maritime traffic,” he said.


“OPAZ aims to eliminate barriers to investment and boost the efficiency of industrial zones.”


Abdullah Mohammed al Hashimi, Managing Director, Centralized Utilities Company, Marafiq, said that "Oman is focusing on boosting efficiencies in the use of water and electricity in special economic and free zones. This is creating significant opportunities for investments in technology throughout the entire value chain, as well as projects in renewable energy and hydrogen as Vision 2040 drives change across the economy".


‘’Marafiq is well positioned to deliver national strategic objectives," he added.


Jana Treeck, OBG’s Managing Director for the Middle East, said a combination of rising energy prices, far-reaching structural reforms and higher oil and gas production had put Oman on track for a strong post-pandemic recovery, with the non-oil sector well placed to increase its contribution to growth.


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