Pact signed to create jobs for Omanis in SEZs
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance integration between the higher education sector and special economic zones (SEZs) and free zones.
The agreement was signed by H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim bin Said al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and H E Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidi, Chairman of OPAZ.
H E Dr Rahma said, “The agreement aims to complete the ministry’s efforts to link the labour market with the specialisations offered by the ministry.”
Saleh bin Hamoud al Hasani from OPAZ said, “The authority will provide data on the companies located in the free zones and empower the private sector and investing companies to provide some training opportunities and create job opportunities for young Omanis. In addition the agreement will enable MoHERI to establish a research centre in the Duqm Special Economic Zone.”
He added, “The authority will also provide data on economic activities and companies operating in the special economic zones and free zones, needs for the labour market, challenges it faces, its plans for growth, and the expected numbers for employment in coordination with the Ministry of Labour.”
He added that the authority will provide training opportunities for undergraduate students and students of vocational colleges that suit their specialties, in cooperation with MoHERI which will provide research and consulting services to the authority.
The agreement invites the private sector to establish scientific complexes for higher education, and centres for scientific research, innovation and vocational training, and Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones to provide incentives and exemptions such as the right for land usufruct necessary for such projects in accordance with the regulations and procedures followed.
OPAZ will provide training opportunities for undergraduate students and students of vocational colleges that suit their specialties, in cooperation with MoHERI which will provide research and consulting services
SALEH AL HASANI