The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has confirmed that work is underway to develop the agricultural and fisheries marketing system in the Sultanate of Oman. This includes the development of infrastructure and services for agricultural and fisheries markets, as well as the establishment of an integrated management system to ensure operational efficiency. The Ministry is also working on drafting the necessary regulations and legislation to organize marketing operations while maintaining the safety and quality of products.
The Ministry has announced significant progress in fisheries marketing activities in the Sultanate of Oman, with the number of existing fisheries factories reaching 119, reflecting steady growth in this vital sector. Additionally, the Ministry recorded 62 operational fish markets, while the number of fish retail shops in the Sultanate of Oman reached 1,009 by the end of last year.
As part of efforts to enhance market efficiency, the number of permits for fish carrier entry to the central wholesale fish market increased to 489. Furthermore, the total number of licenses for trading live aquatic resources in the central wholesale market rose to 915, reflecting an increase in commercial activity in this field. The total number of fish seller licenses also grew to 905, compared to 753 licenses in the previous year.
To enhance the fish processing sector and provide high-quality products that meet both local and international market demands, there has been growth in fish processing activities through the end of October 2024. The total number of fish processing and freezing factories reached 94, in addition to 8 floating fish processing and freezing factories.
New projects in the field of fish canning have been introduced, bringing the total number of canning factories to 3. Additionally, a factory for preparing ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products such as fish burgers, pickled fish, and salted fish has been established. A factory for drying and smoking fish using modern methods, as well as a factory for refining fish oil for human consumption, has also been set up.
The Ministry has reported significant progress in the construction of new and qualified fish markets across Oman’s governorates, with a total of 16 markets. These projects aim to enhance the marketing of fish products and provide a suitable environment for buying and selling, as well as strengthen the local market’s ability to meet consumer demands. The Ministry’s goal is to create integrated work environments that facilitate the movement of fish products and help producers market their goods, thereby contributing to the local economy and increasing job opportunities in the sector.
The Ministry emphasized that food industries are a key area of investment in the food security sector in the Sultanate of Oman, playing a significant role in boosting the growth of national exports with added value. These industries have an important economic and social role, contributing to the achievement of economic diversification policies, creating job opportunities for citizens, and equipping them with the necessary skills and experience.
The Ministry has stated that it is working to achieve a balance between supply and demand in local and international markets. The focus is on opening new markets and registering Omani companies to export fish and agricultural products to regional and international markets. Among the new markets opened is the Chinese market, one of the promising global markets that contributes to increasing exports of Omani food products and enhancing their competitiveness. The Ministry is also encouraging companies to promote their products in international markets through participation in global events and exhibitions.
In line with these efforts, the Ministry conducted 47 field visits to fish markets, 45 visits to marketing outlets, and 8 visits to landing centers and fish factories. These visits are part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen regulation over the quality and safety of fish products. During these visits, the Ministry issued 6 violations in fish markets, demonstrating its strong commitment to enforcing the applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, 1,959 kilograms of fish unfit for consumption were destroyed to ensure consumer health and safety. These field visits are an integral part of the Ministry’s strategy to ensure the quality of fish products and enhance trust in local markets, contributing to food security and consumer health protection.
In 2024, the Ministry organized several local exhibitions and marketing programs. These activities included the fisheries marketing program, developed annually in collaboration with fish marketing companies, aimed at providing fish during the summer when supply may be limited due to climate conditions. This is achieved by implementing a marketing plan for fish markets across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
Among the key exhibitions is the Agro Oman exhibition, scheduled from December 4–6, 2024, which will showcase the latest food products, agricultural and marine equipment, as well as greenhouse technologies, hydroponics, and modern irrigation systems.
The Ministry also organized a date exhibition before the holy month of Ramadan, from March 8–10, 2024.
Furthermore, the Ministry oversaw the launch of the Omani Honey and Turmeric Exhibition at Salalah Grand Mall, which coincided with the Khareef season in Dhofar, from July 24 to August 30, 2024. This exhibition targeted visitors, including Omanis, GCC nationals, and international tourists.
In addition, the Sultanate of Oman hosted a global event in the beekeeping sector, the Africa Bee Expo 2024, held from September 18–21, 2024, at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Muscat.
The conference featured 27 scientific papers and workshops presented by beekeeping experts worldwide and attracted over 37 companies and institutions from various sectors of beekeeping and honey production. The event also included an exhibition on honey and its products, showcasing various technologies in the beekeeping industry.
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