Barcelona: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the 32nd edition of the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona. The event, which continues for several days, sees Oman represented by various governmental and private entities, aiming to highlight the nation's capabilities in the fisheries sector.
According to Oman News Agency, the Omani pavilion includes representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates 'Madayn'. Oman's presence at the expo is further strengthened by a strategic partnership with Sohar International Bank and the participation of eight Omani factories specializing in fisheries product processing and packaging.
Eng. Yaqoub Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources for Fisheries and head of the Omani delegation, emphasized the integration between government units and the private sector through a unified national pavilion. He noted the sector's growth, with total fisheries production reaching about 900,000 tons in 2024, valued at approximately RO 580 million. Omani fish products are now exported to 84 countries worldwide.
Al Busaidi highlighted the support of 110 factories with global quality control certificates by 2025, enhancing the competitiveness of Omani fish products in international markets. This development opens opportunities for export and investment, contributing to Oman's economic diversification and sustainable development goals.
Dawood Salim Al Hadabi, CEO of Madayn, stressed the importance of Oman's participation in the expo in supporting Omani companies' global market presence and attracting value-added investments in fisheries industries. He mentioned that Madayn's industrial cities host 17 projects with an investment volume exceeding RO 12.4 million over an area of more than 269,000 square metres.
Al Hadabi explained that these projects focus on processing and preserving fish and seafood products, aligning with Oman's objectives of food security and sustainable economic development. Through the expo, Madayn aims to promote investment opportunities within the fisheries industry, enhancing supply chains and supporting related industries.
Abdulwahid Mohammed Al Murshidi, CEO of Sohar International Bank, stated that the bank's strategic sponsorship of the Omani seafood pavilion emphasizes its commitment to supporting sectors with strong growth potential. The bank focuses on empowering companies within the maritime economy, contributing to Oman Vision 2040's objectives by linking capital with expertise and opportunities.