Oman’s OAPFD outlines major offset projects
3 key projects relating to cyber-security, STEM and national capability development to be launched this year: CEO
Having sewn up agreements for the establishment of a major aviation academy in Suhar, The Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD) — which oversees the Sultanate’s offset investments — aims to deliver at least three other strategically vital projects before the end of this year.
The new initiatives are among a growing portfolio of offset-funded projects that are in various stages of conceptualisation and development, according to a top official of the Authority.
“OAPFD is now looking at five operational projects and at least 20 other projects which are at different stages (of implementation), but what will see the light and start before the end of this year are three more projects, which will be announced in due course,” said Dr Dhafir bin Awadh Marai al Shanfari, CEO.
The official made the revelation at a press briefing at the Grand Hyatt Muscat yesterday following the signing of landmark agreements to set up the Oman Aviation Academy (OAA) at Suhar Airport. OAA will be developed by the Authority in partnership with Airbus Helicopters, Oman National Investments Development Company (TANMIA), Al-Hosn Investment Company and the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund.
It will be operated by CAE Oxford, a leading civil and defence aviation training company with approximately 160 training sites in more than 35 countries around the world.
Commenting on new initiatives lined up for implementation this year, Dr Al Shanfari said the proposed ventures will focus on areas covered by the Authority mandate as set out in Royal Decree 9/2014 formally setting up the OAPFD.
“The projects we are looking fall into three broad areas: enhancing defence and security capabilities, human capital development, and private sector development through In-Country Value (ICV) and direct offset credits, and work packages offset through local companies.”
They include an initiative related to cyber security featuring manufacturing and electronics manufacturing elements, with potential partners from South Africa, United States and various European nations.
“When it comes to education and training capabilities, (much like the Oman Aviation Academy), there are a number of projects, including one with the Ministry of Higher Education focusing on STEM (an initiative that encompasses the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).”
The Authority, the CEO continued, is hopeful of a sign-off on the important project before the end of this year, which will allow for the second semester of the STEM programme to be progressively rolled out across 30 schools annually starting from the next academic year. “There will be STEM labs with trained teachers and a fullfledged curriculum,” the CEO said.
Yet another project on the anvil is broadly in line with the Authority’s mandate to build “local capabilities”, he added.