Oman is keen to attract South Korean investment in the sultanate's fisheries sector as it continues its drive to attract international companies to develop the industry.
The government aims to provide a supportive environment for businesses to be established and operated in the sultanate, as it seeks to attract investments from companies with strong track records in fish processing, ports management and fish farming industries.
In this regard, H E Dr Fuad bin Ja'afar al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, met the Korean minister of food and agriculture Suh Kyu-yong and representatives of Korean companies on Friday and discussed investment opportunities between the sultanate and South Korea in the fisheries sector.
He said, "The meeting discussed promotion of relations between the two countries in the fisheries sector through reviewing available investment opportunities and facilities provided to investors in this field, especially in the new fishing port in Duqm and other establishments in industrial zones."
H E Sajwani added that the sultanate is searching for a strategic partner in the management of the fishing port in Duqm and its facilities.
H E Dr Hamed bin Said al Awfi, undersecretary of fisheries, said Oman has identified aquaculture as key to diversifying its national economy beyond hydrocarbons.
He said, "The world will need 40mn tonnes of additional fish by 2025, which will drive the need to develop aquaculture."
© Muscat Daily 2012
