Muscat: A delegation representing the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has embarked on a visit to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad), where they convened on Monday. The meeting was graced by the presence of Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, the esteemed Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz), alongside Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, the Chief Executive Officer of Sezad, and several officials from the Authority.
Throughout the duration of the meeting, discussions centered around the avenues for cooperation and the fortification of the partnership between the SFD and the Opaz. The mutual interests of the Authority and the SFD in the realms of investment fields and opportunities within the Sezad and other areas under the Authority's jurisdiction were meticulously reviewed. Furthermore, the efforts undertaken by the Authority to execute a variety of infrastructure projects aimed at facilitating both local and foreign investment in the region were highlighted, underscoring their significant role in attracting a plethora of local and international projects and bolstering interest in investment in Duqm.
The delegation from the SFD commended the remarkable growth witnessed in Duqm since their previous visit, expressing a keen interest in augmenting cooperation with the Authority.
This visit, which spanned three days, presents a unique opportunity to assess the progress of projects financed by the SFD within the Sezad, with a particular emphasis on the recent developments in the area. Additionally, the delegation will delve into the region's plans for forthcoming projects and strategize on how to amalgamate various elements to ensure economic sustainability and contribute towards the realization of Oman Vision 2040.
The delegation had the opportunity to visit several ongoing and completed projects, including the Ras Markaz project and the Fisheries and Food Industries Complex, which stand as flagship initiatives in Duqm.
Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Al Ansari, the General Manager of the Support Services Sector at the Opaz, articulated, “The Authority and the Saudi Fund for Development are committed to enhancing cooperation across all sectors by exploring financing opportunities for a range of promising projects within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. This visit by the delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development is aimed at fortifying this partnership and evaluating the progress of the funded projects.”
Al Ansari further highlighted the pioneering contributions of the SFD in financing a multitude of significant projects within the Sultanate of Oman, including the construction of key roads and the infrastructure of the fishing port in the region.
It is pertinent to note that Opaz, through its relevant entities, continues to cultivate a strategic relationship with the SFD, exploring avenues that will enhance the mutual benefits for companies from both countries in the context of the infrastructure projects implemented by the Authority in the Sezad.
