Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is currently participating in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) meeting, which commenced on Monday, May 13, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, Oman's delegation, led by His Excellency Engineer Yaqoub bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Fisheries Resources, is actively engaged in discussions. The meeting, scheduled to continue until May 17, covers various topics, including the Compliance Committee, Fisheries Management Standards Committee, Administration and Financial Affairs Committee, and the main committee for member state delegations of the Commission. Additionally, the Group of 16 meeting, comprising coastal countries in the Indian Ocean, will also take place.
During the meeting, Oman highlighted its efforts to foster a productive and diversified economy, emphasizing innovation, role integration, and equal opportunities. These endeavors aim to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development aligned with the milestones outlined in the Oman Vision 2040 plan. This plan serves as the national reference for economic and social planning from 2021 to 2040, guiding national strategies and five-year development plans. Oman's approach considers the economic and social reality, objective outlook, and the ability to adapt to local, regional, and global changes.
Oman became a member of the Indian Ocean Tuna Fisheries Commission in the year 2000. The Commission focuses on the regulations and laws governing tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean. It consists of 31 countries as full members and two countries as non-contracting cooperative members.
