OMAN MOVES CLOSER TO FULL-SCALE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONIC CHIPS

MUSCAT: Oman moved a step closer to launching a full-fledged manufacturing unit of advanced semiconductor chips. On Monday, the first batch of advanced electronic chips design (Oman1, Oman-2), made by the Global Semiconductor Microelectronics Company (GSME Oman) was dispatched to the laboratories of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

The chips, made by Omani designers, have been sent to Taiwan for testing and verification as GSME Oman prepares itself to start a streamlined production and manufacturing.

The tie-up between Oman and Taiwan is part of the National Programme for Digital Economy and the project was undertaken with the support of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour.

The production of advanced electronic chips is a step forward towards the implementation of an agreement that was inked in June 2022 by Global Semiconductor Microelectronics Company with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour.

The agreement was aimed at establishing the first investment project in the Sultanate of Oman to design and manufacture semiconductors and advanced electronic chips, besides training Omani cadres in this field.

On Monday, the consignment was dispatched at a ceremony that was held under the auspices of Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information

Technology and attended by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Also present were senior government officials and private sector representatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, said: “The step assumes significance in Oman’s drive to make semiconductors and electronic chips and it demonstrates the capabilities and talents of young Omani engineers.”

He added that the move paves the way for domestic and global investments in research, development and advanced chips manufacturing.

Al Shidhani said the project will promote the growth of industries related to semiconductors and electronic chips in general, and build an integrated ecosystem that supports related industry in Oman.