Duqm SEZ is role model of development

MUSCAT — Duqm is fast emerging as a centre of business and attracting businesses locally and internationally. Dr Maurice Girgis ( Project Adviser of Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm laid out an outline of activities going on in Duqm in a presentation to a group of traders from Germany. The German Trade Mission on a visit to the Sultanate, has shown interest in investment in renewable energy and many other areas in Duqm.

Explaining the advantages of investment in Duqm, Dr Maurice said that the master plan of the Duqm SEZ is a model of an integrated economic development comprising eight zones — a sea port, industrial area new town, fishing harbour, tourist zone a logistic centre and an educational and training zone. The dry dock is already operational, where not less than 26 ships have repaired since its inception. The dock has a capacity to repair 8 to 10 ships at the same time.

All the zones, according to Dr Maurice are supported by a multimodal transport system that connects it by nearby regions like the Arabial Gulf countries, Middle East, East Africa and Southeast Asia.

“The Zone is administered, regulated and developed by the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority, a financially and administratively independent government entity,” he said.

The SEZ offers plan, design, and infrastructural development strategies implementation on long-term basis and attracts investments to promote a wide spectrum of

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economic activities. “It also oversees the urban expansion of the modern Duqm city while protecting the environment to ensure that the city is right place to visit, live, work and invest.”

Elaborating further the advantages of investment in Duqm, Dr Maurice said, the dedicated Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority (DA) is the focal point for potential investors, which operates on the principle of one-stopshop.

Explaining the advantages of a dedicated authority, Dr Maurice said this is the place where the prospective investors can register, get licences and provide environmental approvals using the best business practices. Imports into the zone will be duty free, SEZ tax regimes, land lease rates, and utility would be provided at competitive rates.

Duqm’s industrial zone has an expansive 365 square km area out of which 53 square km has been allocated for the logistic centre. The centre will be strategically located near the port, main roads, railway and airport.

“A master industrial strategy has been prepared along with an strategy targeting petrochemicals, building materials, minerals and inorganic chemicals, fishery and acquaculture, food manufacturing, clean technologies, life sciences and allied businesses,” said Dr Maurice.