MUSCAT, JAN 7
In a significant step towards enhancing Oman’s economic sustainability and promoting local content, the Secretariat General of the Tender Board is set to inaugurate the National Lab for Local Content on Monday, January 13. The event will witness the participation of more than 43 public and private entities and will be held in the presence of Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy.
The National Lab will focus on key sectors including energy, mining, construction, electricity, water, healthcare, and defense. Its mission is to boost reliance on local products, create job opportunities, and enhance the capabilities of the national workforce. Additionally, the initiative will support industrial development, localize industries, encourage innovation, transfer technology, and increase the competitiveness of local enterprises.
Speaking on the initiative, Eng Badr bin Salem al Maamari, said, “The National Lab represents a strategic tool for achieving economic and social development in the Sultanate of Oman. It is a vital mechanism to promote sustainable development, enhance the national economy, and increase the use of local components in national projects. This will reduce dependency on imports and strengthen the local economy.”
The National Lab is aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the Secretariat General of the Tender Board’s broader goals. It seeks to raise the contribution of local content to development projects, diversify income sources, and enhance the role of non-oil sectors in the GDP. It also aims to build investor confidence by fostering a strong infrastructure that supports local content, thus attracting further investments.
Al-Maamari highlighted that the lab would empower local companies to participate in major projects, enhance their competitiveness, and provide broader growth opportunities. This initiative, he noted, would also create employment for citizens while transferring knowledge and technology to local markets, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.
According to Eng Ghalib bin Amer al Hinai, Head of the National Office for Local Content, the initiative will lead to the development of a national strategy for local content, identifying localization priorities in targeted sectors, and launching innovative initiatives that support economic growth.
He added, “The lab will address challenges hindering local content by providing practical solutions for key sectors. It aims to develop national competencies, create quality jobs, and enhance training programs to meet the needs of the targeted industries. Moreover, improving the quality of local products and services will enhance Oman’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.”
The National Lab’s integrated approach will facilitate collaboration among government entities, private sector stakeholders, and research institutions to encourage innovation and development. It will also involve open discussions with stakeholders to identify their needs and establish sustainable communication channels, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of outcomes.
The lab is expected to deliver several outcomes, including a detailed roadmap for local content development, actionable plans for targeted sectors, and initiatives aimed at addressing market gaps. It will also work to foster partnerships between public and private sectors, create synergy across industries, and establish a framework for monitoring progress through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
