Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of industrial and economic consultancy. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, and Ahmed Mohammed Al Mohammed, CEO of GOIC.
According to Oman News Agency, the MoU outlines cooperation and the provision of consultancy services to enterprises operating within economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities. A significant focus is on advising the establishment of specialised industrial clusters in areas supervised by OPAZ. It also leverages GOIC’s expertise to support the transition to modern manufacturing technologies, upgrade production lines, assist existing industrial enterprises in free zones and industrial cities, and train and qualify their workforce. The agreement includes the exchange of industrial data, information, and economic feasibility studies for new projects.
Through this MoU, both parties aim to promote the sustainability of projects within free zones and industrial cities, while assessing potential investments. The cooperation is expected to maximise benefits for small and medium-sized industrial enterprises, enhance their competitiveness, and link them to large-scale projects.
It is worth noting that OPAZ supervises 23 economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, 16 of which are operational and 7 are under development, covering various economic activities. Industrial activities are pivotal, accounting for approximately 79% of total investments in these zones.