Blue economy investments drive diversification and sustainable growth in Al Wusta

Muscat: Al Wusta Governorate continues to invest in blue economy activities, capitalising on its marine assets and the integration of fisheries, ports, logistics and tourism to boost the value of marine resources and advance economic diversification and sustainable development.Isra Abdullah Al Hadi, a Fisheries Development Specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, said the governorate's extensive coastline, rich fish stocks and strategic location have made fisheries a key pillar of the blue economy. In 2024, the governorate ranked first in Oman in fish production, with output reaching about 226,000 tonnes — 25 percent of the national total — valued at over OMR100 million. More than 4,670 registered fishermen, along with 2,357 fishing boats and 124 artisanal vessels, underscore the sector's economic scale.She added that modern ports and marine infrastructure, particularly the Port of Duqm and the Duqm Multi‑Purpose Fishing Port, have supported fish landing, handling and marketing, provided vessel maintenance and processing facilities, and strengthened logistics and supply chains connecting local production to domestic and international markets.The economic impact of integrated investments in fisheries, ports, logistics and tourism lies in an interconnected system that maximises marine resource value and generates sustainable returns, Al Hadi told the Oman News Agency (ONA). The system enhances investment appeal, raises product and service competitiveness, expands value chains, and creates direct and indirect jobs in fishing, processing, transport, marketing and support services.She said that blue economy activities also boost local content by increasing reliance on national products and services and expanding marine‑related value chains, including logistics, manufacturing and marine tourism.She added that they offer broad opportunities for small and medium enterprises in support services such as vessel maintenance, storage, processing, marketing and marine tourism, strengthening local business growth and the contribution of national enterprises to sustainable development.She explained that future plans focus on reinforcing Al Wusta's leadership in the blue economy through continued development of marine and logistics infrastructure, expansion of fisheries and aquaculture projects and related manufacturing, and upgrading landing, handling and marketing facilities.She concluded that plans also include boosting investment linked to the Port of Duqm and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, developing supply chains and logistics, and encouraging innovation, research and modern technologies in marine activities — enhancing the governorate's investment appeal and consolidating its position as a national hub for the blue economy in line with Oman Vision 2040.