An agreement has been reached to build a $78million, 85,000 sq m plant for canning tuna, sardines and other marine products in Oman.

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has signed a land usufruct agreement with the International Marine Products Company, as reported by the Oman Observer.

The agreement was signed by Eng Yahiya bin Khamis al Zadjali, who heads operations at Duqm SEZ, and Eng Nabil bin Salem al Ruwaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of International Marine Products.

The plant will produce about 27,000 tonnes per year of canned products in the initial phases, with further expansions planned in the future.

Ali Nasser al Rasbi, General Manager, said: “This project, which has emerged from the Tanfeedh Programme, will support Oman’s economic diversification objectives, maximise value creation from the Sultanate’s fisheries wealth, and contribute to exports. 

“By working alongside Omani SMEs, it will support the growth of an ecosystem around fish processing and drive employment generation and entrepreneurial opportunities.”