Muscat: Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), a frontrunner in the advancement of Oman's fisheries sector, is pleased to announce its successful participation in the Seventh Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia 2024, which took place from September 17–19 in St. Petersburg. This event served as a platform to showcase FDO's steadfast dedication to sustainable fishing practices, advanced processing and logistics facilities, and attractive investment prospects, thereby establishing its status as a premier global entity in the seafood industry.
Attracting the interest of over 30,000 visitors from more than 70 countries, the expo brought together industry leaders, investors, and traders from across the globe, fostering an environment conducive to networking, collaboration, and business development. FDO and its subsidiaries—SIMAK, Marsa Al Duqm, Blue Waters, and Oman Pelagic—presented a wide array of Omani seafood products and services, garnering significant interest from key industry stakeholders.
Salim Al Mamari, the Investments Director of FDO, remarked, “Our participation in this year's event was a tremendous success. We had the opportunity to engage with numerous potential partners and investors, thereby enhancing Oman’s reputation as a leading fish producer and exporter. The event underscored our commitment to sustainability and highlighted our innovative investments in aquaculture and fishing technologies, laying the groundwork for future expansion.”
The exhibition displayed an impressive collection of fresh and frozen seafood, cutting-edge processing technologies, and sustainable fishing methodologies. Presentations and discussions at the FDO booth garnered considerable interest, especially in Oman Pelagic’s advanced fishing vessels and Blue Waters’ aquaculture technologies, which were praised for their eco-friendly and efficient production processes.
SIMAK’s state-of-the-art seafood processing facility, situated within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, was a highlight of the expo. SIMAK is capable of producing over 100 million cans annually, with a processing capacity of 30,000 tons, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable seafood processing. The facility's adoption of eco-friendly practices, including the use of solar energy and water conservation efforts, impressed visitors. Its proximity to major ports ensures swift and efficient distribution to international markets, and its demonstration of high-quality seafood products at the expo led to numerous inquiries from European buyers interested in sustainably sourced products and white labeling opportunities.
OSARA also made its presence felt by showcasing a variety of Omani shrimp products, capturing the attention of Russian and European markets. OSARA takes pride in supplying premium and sustainably farmed shrimp from the Arabian Sea coastline of Oman. The OSARA shrimp farm, spanning over 700 hectares, is designed to produce over 10,000 tons of Pacific White Shrimp annually. The facility benefits from an abundant supply of pristine seawater, untouched by industrial or chemical activities, which enhances the safety and quality of the products. OSARA’s dedication to responsible aquaculture practices and high environmental standards resonated with global buyers, sparking discussions about potential collaborations. OSARA has played a pivotal role in establishing FDO’s reputation as a leader in sustainable shrimp farming and in expanding Oman’s presence in the international seafood market.
Marsa Al Duqm unveiled its state-of-the-art development of Oman's premier fishery port, slated for full operational readiness by the year 2026. This 7.5-square-kilometer facility is set to include a 10.5-meter-deep dredged channel and contemporary infrastructure, encompassing a fishing harbor, processing and packaging units, and cold storage facilities. The attendees were particularly impressed by the port's capacity to enhance operational efficiency and catalyze economic growth within Oman's fisheries industry. The infrastructure of Marsa Al Duqm is anticipated to streamline the logistics of seafood distribution, thereby solidifying Oman's position as a leading exporter of premium seafood products.
Blue Waters, a subsidiary of FDO specializing in aquaculture, captivated the audience with its advanced aquaculture technologies. With the capability to produce over 5,000 tons of marine finfish annually and 21 million juvenile fish, Blue Waters ensures a consistent supply of high-quality, nutrient-rich seafood. The subsidiary's commitment to environmental stewardship was particularly noteworthy, with sustainable aquaculture practices that adhere to international standards. International investors and stakeholders present at the expo expressed a keen interest in forming partnerships with Blue Waters to expand the production of sustainable seafood on a global scale, with a focus on regions that prioritize eco-friendly seafood sourcing.
Oman Pelagic demonstrated its modern commercial fishing fleet, equipped with the latest vessels. Specializing in pelagic species such as tuna, the company's vessels are certified for high-seas navigation and boast ultra-low temperature freezing capabilities, guaranteeing the delivery of premium seafood products. The company's showcase of sustainable fishing practices and advanced vessel technology garnered significant attention from global buyers, especially those in Europe and Asia. The emphasis on maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact was a central theme, sparking discussions on potential collaborations to introduce Omani pelagic species to new international markets.
Sultana Al Jardani, the Business Intelligence Lead for Sultana Al Jardani at FDO, remarked, "The level of interest in Oman's fisheries sector was unprecedented. This platform provided us with the opportunity to present the diversity of Oman's marine resources and highlight the immense potential for international partnerships. The feedback from global stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive, and we are optimistic about the prospects of fruitful collaborations that will drive sustainable growth within the sector."
Throughout the duration of the event, the Fisheries Development Office (FDO) actively engaged with international buyers and investors, effectively positioning Oman as an attractive destination for investments in aquaculture and fisheries. With a strategic emphasis on environmental stewardship, FDO persistently advocates for Oman's ambition of sustainable economic diversification, utilizing the nation's abundant marine resources and fostering employment opportunities within the fisheries industry.
The participation of FDO in the Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia 2024 is in harmony with the government's objective to diversify Oman's economy and to establish the country's fisheries sector as a global frontrunner in the production of sustainable seafood.
