Incentive package set to attract small units to Duqm region

03/09/2015 07:59 AST

A large number of investment opportunities are available for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Duqm and the special package of incentives make the port city more attractive.

“The projects, which are underway in the free zone such as the Duqm port, the dry dock, the refinery, the airport, heavy petrochemicals industrial projects, warehouses, logistics services and tourism ventures, are all aiming to support the economic diversification plan, and these project will provide investment opportunities to the local private sector, small and medium enterprises, as well as, promising employment opportunities to young Omanis,” said Ismail bin Ahmed Al Balushi, deputy chief executive officer of Special Economic Zone Authority Duqm, while addressing a seminar in Salalah.

Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority held a seminar at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch in Dhofar as part of a series of seminars organised by the authority since the beginning of this year to create awareness among local business community about the investment opportunities available at the free zone.

Al Balushi explained that the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority seeks to attract investments in the Sultanate. The authority offers several incentives and benefits package to investors to their expectations. “Royal Decree No. 79/2013 promulgating Duqm Special Economic Zone Law stipulates a package of facilities and benefits that meets investors’ expectations and ambitions and boosts the zone’s competitive edge,” he said.

He pointed out that Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority has created a one-stop-shop clearance facility to offer efficient services for investors, which include the issue of commercial registrations, the zone’s lands usufructuary licences, the registration of usufruct contracts, the issuance of municipal licences and environment permits, and other permits including industrial, tourism and mining licences.

The first presentation at the seminar was delivered by director of the labour licence and investors visas department, Sultan Al Shraiqi. He covered the investment opportunities offered by the free zone. The second presentation was delivered by Eng. Hussain Al Zadjali in his capacity as the Buildings Projects Officer, which covered the projects underway at the free zone.

Times of Oman