Saturday, December 21, 2024 | Jumada al-akhirah 19, 1446 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
20°C / 20°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Integrated cold chain cluster planned at Duqm SEZ

Cold chain infrastructure is a key enabling of investment in manufacturing, food processing and food logistics.
Cold chain infrastructure is a key enabling of investment in manufacturing, food processing and food logistics.
minus
plus

MUSCAT: Authorities at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) have begun preparing the groundwork for the establishment of an Integrated Cold Chain Cluster at the SEZ – part of a strategic bid to underpin the growth of a food sector industrial ecosystem at Duqm.


It follows a decision adopted by the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), during its third meeting of the year in June, approving the appointment of a task force to oversee the development of an Integrated Cold Chain Cluster at Duqm.


In a post on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, SEZAD said the task force attended “a two-day workshop on the project as the first step towards preparing the execution plan within the expected timeline”.


The task force evaluated the need for investment necessary to support the development of cold chain infrastructure, encompassing cold storage, transportation and logistics. The team reviewed areas suitable for the establishment of this infrastructure based on available synergies suitable for exploitation in this regard.


Plans by OPAZ to explore the potential for Cold Chain infrastructure investment across its expansive portfolio of industrial, manufacturing and economic assets were first discussed at a workshop held a year ago. It was attended by representatives from the National Programme for Economic Diversification (Tanwea), the National Employment Programme (Tashgeel) and the Industrial Innovation Academy (IIA).


Attendees underlined the importance of cold chains as critical enabling infrastructure necessary to support Oman’s economic diversification goals, notably in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and food processing, among other related sectors.


Duqm SEZ was singled as particularly promising for investment in cold chain infrastructure, partly because of the presence of a Fisheries Industrial Port within its precincts, as well as its strategic appeal as a regional storage and distribution hub for all kinds of agro foods. The presence of an airport with well-established freight and cargo facilities was a distinct advantage as well, they noted.


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon