SUHAR: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) celebrated Omani Industry Day on February 14 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Suhar, North Al Batinah Governorate, under the theme "Factory Automation and Artificial Intelligence."
The event, attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, along with other officials, factory owners, and Omani companies, emphasized the adoption of artificial intelligence and factory automation technologies, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The ceremony underscored the crucial role of the industrial sector as a key pillar for economic diversification and achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the MoCIIP, highlighted the sector's significance in comprehensive development, citing recent statistics indicating substantial contributions to Oman's economy and significant growth in non-oil exports.
To address the rapid technological advancements, especially in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, the MoCIIP announced the launch of the "Factory Automation and Artificial Intelligence" initiative. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of local industries and propel the national industry to advanced positions, ensuring competitiveness in the global landscape.
As part of the celebration, the MoCIIP unveiled the "Made in Oman" platform, an electronic service platform expediting the process of obtaining licenses and certificates for the national product identity. The platform aims to showcase and promote the quality and diversity of Omani products while providing a database for various businesses and activities supporting local products.
To further enhance the industrial sector, four agreements were signed during the celebration. One significant agreement involved the MoCIIP and Ithraa Group, focusing on developing the Industrial Observatory. Another agreement included a collaboration between Mawarid Muscat, Environment Company, and Wakud Company to produce biofuel from cooking oil waste. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about safe disposal methods for cooking oil waste, with the Environment Company financing the installation of waste oil collection containers in 3000 units in the Mawarid project.
Additionally, Wakud signed an agreement with Renaissance Services to produce biofuel by recycling cooking oil waste from the Ministry of Health hospitals in Oman. This collaboration aims to recycle cooking oil waste regularly, reduce environmental impact, promote energy source sustainability, and move towards a circular economy. Wakud has also signed an agreement with the Oman Food Bank to produce biofuel from cooking oil waste generated by restaurants, hotels, and companies affiliated with the Food Bank, achieving environmental and economic sustainability.
Minister Qais bin Mohammed al Yousuf met with industrialists and stakeholders to address challenges facing the sector, emphasizing the commitment to overcoming obstacles and finding suitable solutions. An accompanying exhibition, in partnership with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showcased services, products, and business opportunities from around 40 government and private entities. The goal was to foster partnerships between entrepreneurs and companies for increased investment opportunities in Oman.
The MoCIIP's ongoing efforts to develop the industrial sector include updating laws, providing facilities, and granting exemptions to Omani factories. Omani Industry Day, observed on February 9 each year, commemorates the historic visit of the late HM Sultan Qaboos to the Rusayl Industrial Area in 1991, acknowledging the pivotal role of the industrial sector in various promising economic sectors.
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