Duqm SEZ plans to build integrated cold chain cluster

Muscat: Authorities at the Special Economic Zone Duqm (SEZAD) have started preparatory work for the establishment of an integrated cold chain cluster at the SEZ as part of a strategic initiative to support the development of the industrial ecosystem for the food sector in Duqm.

The board of directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in Duqm (OPAZ), which held its third meeting of the year in June, adopted a decision approving the establishment of a working group to oversee the development of an integrated cold chain cluster in Duqm.

In a post on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, SEZAD said the working group participated in a “two-day project workshop, which is the first step to develop an implementation plan within the expected time frame.”

The working group assessed the investment needs required to support the development of cold chain infrastructure, including refrigeration, transport and logistics. The working group reviewed suitable regions for the establishment of such infrastructure, based on available synergies.

OPAZ’s plan to explore the potential for cold chain infrastructure investment across its broad portfolio of industrial, manufacturing and economic assets was first discussed at a workshop held a year ago with representatives from the National Economic Diversification Programme (Tanwea), the National Employment Programme (Tashgeel) and the Industrial Innovation Academy (IIA).

Participants stressed the importance of the cold chain as a critical infrastructure necessary to support Oman’s economic diversification goals, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing and other related sectors.

Duqm SEZ was rated as a particularly promising location for investment in cold chain infrastructure, in part due to the presence of a fisheries industrial port within the zone and its strategic appeal as a regional warehousing and distribution centre for a wide range of agricultural products. They noted that the airport, which has well-developed freight and cargo facilities, was also a distinct advantage.