MUSCAT, JAN 13
Oman has taken a significant step toward securing its economic future with the launch of the National Local Content Laboratory. This ambitious initiative was inaugurated on January 13, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center.
The event brought together leaders from the public and private sectors, including Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, and Eng Badr bin Salim al-Maamari, Secretary General of the Tender Board. Over 43 organizations participated in this effort to strengthen local industries, enhance workforce skills, and diversify the national economy.
Speaking to the Observer, Dr Al Saqri highlighted the lab’s objectives and its focus on major economic sectors. “This laboratory aims to increase in-country value (ICV) across several critical sectors that have been carefully studied,” he explained. “These include the health sector, the construction sector, and the provision of electricity and water services. Additionally, the lab will evaluate ways to enhance local content in the procurement processes of civil and defense forces.”
Dr. Al Saqri emphasized the importance of these efforts in strengthening Oman’s economic sustainability, noting that boosting local content in such key areas will not only support national industries but also create jobs and foster innovation across Sultanate of Oman.
Over the next two weeks, the laboratory will focus on reducing Oman’s dependence on imports by promoting local industries and encouraging innovation. It aims to create opportunities for Omani businesses and entrepreneurs while aligning with the Oman Vision 2040.
The laboratory is designed to transform Oman’s economy by prioritizing local resources, industries, and workforce development. It will focus on vital sectors such as energy, minerals, construction, health, defense, electricity, and water. By reducing reliance on imported goods and promoting Omani-made products, the initiative aims to build a more self-sufficient economy that can thrive both locally and globally.
The key objectives include crafting policies that encourage the use of local resources, developing workforce skills through partnerships with educational institutions, and enabling Omani businesses to expand their global reach. It also seeks to foster collaboration with international partners to showcase Omani products on the global stage.
During the launch event, Eng Badr bin Salim al-Maamari emphasized the laboratory’s alignment with the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. He stressed the importance of local content in building a sustainable and resilient economy.
“His Majesty has placed local content at the heart of Oman’s economic vision. This laboratory is a key step toward realizing that vision by building a system that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and fairness. Our focus is on maximizing the use of national resources and creating meaningful opportunities for the Omani people,” Al-Maamari said.
Eng Ghalib bin Ali al-Hinai, Head of the National Local Content Office, highlighted the laboratory’s goals. These include increasing direct investment, achieving self-sufficiency in key goods, and strengthening the contribution of non-oil sectors to Oman’s GDP. He also stressed the importance of raising Omanization rates and creating more jobs for Omanis across industries.
“This is more than just an economic initiative,” Al Hinai said. “It’s about building a legacy of resilience and opportunity for the future.” The National Local Content Laboratory is built on collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. By fostering partnerships, the initiative hopes to create effective policies, introduce innovative solutions, and implement training programs to develop a skilled and competitive workforce.
One of its key priorities is to ensure that Oman’s local industries are not only self-reliant but also globally competitive. By leveraging modern technology and innovative strategies, the laboratory will address challenges facing local businesses and create a platform for sustainable growth.
The launch of the National Local Content Laboratory is a bold step toward building a more resilient and inclusive economy. Over the coming weeks, stakeholders will work together to identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and create a roadmap for achieving the initiative’s goals.
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