Muscat: The International Marine Products Company "SMAK," a subsidiary of the Oman Fish Development Company, aims to enhance the value of the fishery sector through its factory located in the Fish Industries Area within the Special Economic Zone in Duqm. The company is dedicated to supplying both local and international markets with top-quality Omani marine products.
Zakaria bin Sulaiman Al-Hassani, the CEO of the International Marine Products Company, has revealed that the company initiated the production of tuna cans on a trial basis in March 2024. The factory's production capacity is expected to reach 100 million cans, with the initial production accounting for 35 percent of the total capacity.
In a statement to the Oman News Agency, Al-Hassani emphasized that the company's target markets include local, regional, and international customers. He further mentioned that the tuna products from the factory will be available in local markets within the Sultanate of Oman starting from June.
Al-Hassani highlighted the company's commitment to adding value to marine products by sourcing fish from the local market and collaborating with Omani companies engaged in offshore fishing. Additionally, the majority of the products used in the production process are obtained from local suppliers. The company has also formed partnerships with specialized Omani companies to effectively market and distribute its products in local markets.
Furthermore, Al-Hassani explained that the company utilizes fish waste in the factory to produce fish oils and powder. The water used in the fish thawing and cleaning process is also recycled and repurposed for irrigation and cooling of the factory equipment. The production capacity for fish oil powder is projected to reach 9 tons per day, along with 1.2 tons of fish oil powder and fish oil.
He emphasized that a deal had been made with multiple local fishermen to procure top-notch fish for both local and international markets. Additionally, the company will engage in contracts with small and medium enterprises to supply the factory with fish, market and distribute their products locally, and provide necessary items like oils, salts, and packaging materials for production.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the company will soon sign an agreement with several Omani companies to supply the factory with solar energy cells. Moreover, they have issued a tender to establish a tuna can factory adjacent to the "SMAK" factory, with a 5-year contract to cater to the local market's demand for these products.
In terms of Omanisation, the CEO of the International Marine Products Company expressed their commitment to employing Omanis and equipping them with the necessary skills and experience to work in the factory. As the factory's maximum production capacity is expected to reach approximately 630 employees, they aim to prioritize local employment.
Muhanna bin Abdullah Al-Harbi from Adwaa Ras Al-Hadd Company affirmed that the International Marine Products Company "SMAK" has provided them with the opportunity to purchase high-quality fish. The company's strategic location near the fishing port in Duqm has significantly reduced transportation costs. This commercial partnership is expected to yield favorable financial returns for the organization by ensuring a larger supply of fish in conjunction with the commencement of the factory's commercial production of tuna cans.
Saif bin Saeed Al Junaibi, a resident of the Wilayat of Duqm and an employee at the International Marine Products Company, emphasized that the company has prioritized the employment of Omani nationals, particularly those from the local community, ever since the commencement of factory construction. He urged young Omanis to seize the various opportunities provided by the company, be it in terms of job prospects or potential business ventures for small and medium-sized enterprises.
