Salalah: In an inauguration ceremony held on Sunday, three new plants kicked off operations at Salalah Free Zone (SFZ), adding RO 23.4 million to the existing investments and businesses hosted by the free zone.

Under the patronage of Dr. Mahad Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and a host of officials.

Salalah Free Zone – operated by Asyad Group – presented an overview of the three high-value ventures, the first being an OMR9.6 million food processing plant by the Special Integrated Food Company (SIFCO).

The second venture is phase one of Al Namariq Mining Company’s quicklime plant, an OMR10 million Omani-Iraqi joint investment. The third is an OMR3.8 million fabric and plastics manufacturing and packaging plant by Apex Transgulf Manufacturing (APEX) that aims to serve local and regional markets targeting various industries including healthcare, food and beverages.

Commenting on the latest investment in Salalah Free Zone, Dr. Ali Mohammed Tabouk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, stated: “These new additions hosted by our free zone reflect the critical role of SFZ in driving industrial progress and stimulating economic growth in Oman, and capitalising on logistical synergy with the Port of Salalah to enhance the value chain by linking it to the port’s direct shipping line network and Asyad Group integrated logistics solutions. We are proud of the strategic transnational partnerships that we unveiled today with market players from Yemen, Iraq and Pakistan which will bolster the manufacturing and value-added capabilities in the Sultanate of Oman.”

“All three plants are equipped with the latest production technology and hardware that allow them to optimise their production capacities and product quality, while capitalizing on the unique competitive advantages offered by SFZ,” Tabouk added. “Such new ventures enable sustainable development in Oman by enhancing the country’s industrial infrastructure, increasing exports, and boosting trade.”

In 2023, Salalah Free Zone reeled in around OMR728 million in investments with SFZ leased plots reaching 1.2 million sqm. Usufruct agreements in the free zone also increased to 129 with total investment exceeding OMR4.5 billion.

By improving its integrated logistics solutions and land offering, SFZ is becoming a major hub for regional and global businesses to expand into Oman, create distribution centers, and capitalize on the fast, seamless access to the largest consumer markets around the world.