MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has launched a workshop to improve Port of Duqm operations, reduce cargo delays and identify investment projects that could increase trade through the port.
More than 100 participants from 21 government and private-sector organisations are taking part in the Muscat workshop, organised in cooperation with the Industrial Innovation Academy and running until November 15.
Participants will examine operational, investment and regulatory obstacles and prepare implementation plans assigning responsibilities, deadlines and key performance indicators.
The programme aims to improve coordination between the port and the wider economy, increase cargo handling volumes and strengthen Duqm’s ability to attract investment and shipping services.
Discussions cover nine tracks grouped under service projects, investment projects and general enablers.
The service projects component focuses on streamlining port procedures, addressing overlapping responsibilities among organisations and improving coordination between service providers.
It also examines ways to increase cargo handling productivity, reduce vessel turnaround and cargo dwell times, improve logistics operations and attract new shipping lines and direct services.
The investment component covers targeted projects, projects located within the zone and leased projects. Participants will identify priority sectors, review the Special Economic Zone at Duqm’s master plan and assess projects according to their stage of development.
The discussions will also examine obstacles delaying implementation and operations, with the aim of accelerating investment and increasing the contribution of industrial and commercial projects to port activity.
Infrastructure, incentives, governance and marketing form the remaining four tracks.
These sessions will assess infrastructure requirements and operational capacity, consider incentives to attract investors and maritime traffic, and clarify responsibilities and decision-making procedures.
Participants will also examine monitoring arrangements and ways to strengthen the port’s positioning in regional and international markets.
Dr Ayman bin Abdullah al Fadhili, Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Innovation Academy, presented an assessment of existing conditions, challenges and opportunities at the opening session.
His presentation outlined proposed solutions and preliminary initiatives for participants to evaluate and develop during the workshop.
The programme is expected to produce a set of projects and initiatives supported by implementation schedules and monitoring mechanisms.
Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, attended the launch alongside members of the authority’s board and chief executives of special economic zones and free zones.
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