On October 3, 2024, Ker-Oman and the French Embassy in Oman organized a webinar for French companies, focusing on the opportunities offered by the Omani market in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.

A New Momentum for Franco-Omani Cooperation

This event is part of the renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, spearheaded by the new French Ambassador to Oman, His Excellency Mr. Nabil Hajlaoui, who took office in September 2024.

Committed to supporting key projects between the two countries, the Ambassador initiated this webinar ahead of Ker-Oman’s participation in the Duqm Forum on the blue economy.

Marsa Al Duqm Investments: A Strategic Alliance

The webinar brought together over 70 participants from French businesses, institutions, and professional organizations, with the aim of identifying investment opportunities in a key sector for the Sultanate. The program was structured around several key presentations:

• Opening Remarks by His Excellency Nabil Hajlaoui, Ambassador of France to Oman

• Economic Overview of the Sultanate, presented by Pierre Lignot, Head of the Economic Service in Muscat

• Focus on Agriculture and Fisheries, by Stéphane Sandre, Agricultural Affairs Advisor for the Middle East

• Presentation of the Duqm Fishing Port Project, by Nabil Al Bimani, CEO of Fisheries Development of Oman (FDO), and Maurice Benoish, Chairman of SAS Ker-Oman

• Overview of the Mission to Oman (October 20-22) and the Duqm Forum, by Maurice Benoish

A Key Lever for Oman’s Blue Economy

With its coastline rich in marine resources and its strategic location on the Indian Ocean, the Sultanate of Oman aims to become a key player in the blue economy by 2040.

The Duqm Fishing Port project, a result of the Franco-Omani partnership, embodies this vision through a modern and sustainable infrastructure designed to structure the industry and attract international investments.

In this context, French companies are invited to position themselves for upcoming tenders related to the construction of superstructures and port management, with active support from the relevant institutions.

The Sultanate of Oman has taken a significant step in the development of its maritime economy with the official inauguration of the Duqm Fishing Port.

The ceremony took place on February 14, 2024, in the presence of representatives from Ker-Oman and senior Omani officials: His Excellency Al Sunaidi, Minister of Finance, His Excellency Saoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and His Excellency Lieutenant General Hassan Bin Mohsen Al Sharqi, Minister of Transport.

A symbol of the national strategy for the blue economy, the Duqm Fishing Port is set to become a key logistics and industrial hub for Oman’s fishing sector. It will offer modern services, promote the development of high-value-added industries, and contribute to the creation of skilled jobs in the region.

Since its partial commissioning, the port has welcomed its first landings and offers access to essential services: water, ice, and fuel. It thus provides an operational foundation for fishing professionals.

Full commissioning is expected by 2027, with the gradual delivery of superstructures: fish market, training center, ship repair area, and other support facilities. The development of these infrastructures will be subject to international tenders, open to French companies interested in entering the Omani market.