MUSCAT, FEB 9
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), celebrated Omani Industry Day, February 9, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat. The event, themed "Oman at the Heart of Global Supply Chains", was attended by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, along with several dignitaries and business leaders from the industrial sector.
The celebration included the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The first of which was signed with the Singapore International Centre for Industrial Transformation to facilitate Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies (Industry 4.0) adoption in factories in Oman. The second was signed with the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) to provide consultancy services to establish the recently inaugurated Advanced Automation Centre, which aims to enhance industrial capabilities and improve production efficiency. And the third was with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) to establish a strategic partnership to support Oman’s Industrial Strategy 2040.
The Ministry also launched several services and initiatives during the event. Including the launch of the National Product Identity Certificate Service within the "Made in Oman" platform. And the Certified Evaluators Qualification Programme which aims to train evaluators to assess factories’ readiness for digital transformation.
In addition to the Professional Certification Verification Programme, which aims to serve as a reliable platform to verify academic and professional documents. And the Industrial Sector Enablers Guide, which will act as an identifying guide for opportunities within the sector.
Earlier, in his keynote address, Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, highlighted the significance of the industrial sector in Oman. “The industrial sector is a fundamental pillar for achieving comprehensive development in the Sultanate of Oman, serving as a key axis that integrates with other economic sectors and intersects harmoniously to drive growth and progress forward.
According to the latest data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the output of the manufacturing sector increased by 8.5 per cent to reach RO 2.686 billion by the end of September 2024 at constant prices, compared to the same period in 2023. Non-oil exports amounted to RO 5.642 billion November 2024.”
Dr Masan further added: “The Global Competitive Industrial Performance Report, issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), ranks Oman third in the Arab world and 53rd globally, reflecting the acceleration of industrial competitiveness in recent years. Additionally, agreements have been signed for 100 new industrial projects with a total investment of approximately RO 1.5 billion across renewable energy industries, food and medical industries, air-conditioning equipment manufacturing, construction materials, metals and plastics. These investments are spread across various industrial, economic and free zones; and are expected to increase in the coming period through further development and stimulation of the industrial sector. This will enhance its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), solidifying Oman's global position as a key manufacturing hub.”
The Under-Secretary also highlighted the significant role supply chains play in the sector, stating, ”The stability of supply chains in the industrial sector is one of the fundamental pillars for ensuring the continuity of production processes and achieving operational efficiency. This requires meticulous planning and effective coordination among all stakeholders, from suppliers to end customers. It also involves the ability to anticipate and manage risks effectively, such as demand fluctuations, price volatility and global crises that may affect the flow of raw materials.”
He also emphasised the role modern technologies play in improving supply chain resiliency.
“The adoption of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, plays a crucial role in improving supply chain resilience and increasing responsiveness to challenges. Furthermore, strong and sustainable relationships with suppliers are essential for building trust and ensuring a steady supply of materials. Additionally, enhancing local capabilities and reducing reliance on external sources contribute to minimising logistical gaps and strengthening industrial self-sufficiency. Achieving supply chain stability will significantly boost the industrial sector’s global competitiveness and create a more sustainable environment for economic growth.”
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, highlighted the role the Chamber plays in supporting the industrial sector. “The industrial sector in Oman offers numerous opportunities for growth, sustainability and private sector empowerment. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is actively working to support and empower the private sector by identifying challenges, attracting investments, promoting Omani products and enhancing their competitiveness in both local and international markets.”
Al Rawas further noted: “The role of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is particularly vital, as it actively fosters global connections, promotes national products and strengthens partnerships between Omani private sector entities. These partnerships are strategically focused on leveraging Oman’s unique geographical position, overlooking key maritime routes and global shipping lanes.”
The Chairman also emphasised the importance of supporting local products. “It is essential to emphasise that loyalty to national products is a pressing necessity, given its significant economic impact. Supporting Omani industries ensures the sustainability of private sector institutions, enhances their ability to compete, improves market efficiency, expands the economic base and increases the contribution of non-oil activities to the national GDP. Furthermore, it stimulates local investment, attracts foreign investment and creates employment opportunities.”
According to the Ministry, the industrial sector has successfully achieved the targets of the Industrial Strategy 2040 during the years 2022 and 2023, achieving a growth of 19 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Furthermore, national employment in the sector grew by 79 per cent, with 26,000 job opportunities since 2020.
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