Khazaen Localize New FDI Aligning Oman’s Food Security Strategy
Khazaen Economic City has recently entered into a significant investment agreement with Zircon Food Industries Company in the realm of food security. This agreement will pave the way for the establishment of an advanced industrial complex, boasting an estimated investment value of approximately 3.8 million Omani riyals and covering a total area of 20 thousand square meters. The primary focus of this complex will be on the refinement, sorting, and packaging of rice, sugar, and spices, as well as the creation of integrated units for the storage of food reserve products. Notably, the project will prioritize the use of clean energy in its operations during the initial phase.
Eng. Salim bin Sulaiman Al Thuhli, the CEO of Khazaen Economic City, emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting the food security strategy through its appealing investment opportunities within the food sector. The food city within Khazaen is strategically positioned to meet the escalating demand for food in local, Gulf, and global markets. Furthermore, it aims to enhance the value-added food industries system, fortify supply chains, and bolster refrigeration capabilities. A key component of the food city is the Khazaen Central Fruit and Vegetable Market (Silal), serving as an international hub for the export, import, packaging, marketing, and distribution of fresh produce.
In addition to the recent agreement with Zircon Food Industries Company, Khazaen Economic City has successfully attracted other high-quality projects within the food sector. These include the industrial bakery project of Salalah Mills Company, the food industries complex of Jasmine Oriental Company – one of the largest of its kind in the Middle East, and the Oman Bio-Products Company factory specializing in animal feed production. Furthermore, several projects focusing on the manufacturing of soft drinks and the storage of dry food have also found a home within Khazaen Economic City. The agreement signed in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources aims to strengthen the food reserve and align with the food security strategy.
It is important to highlight that Khazaen City serves as a prime example of a successful public-private partnership. It stands as the pioneering project in the development and management of economic cities in the Sultanate of Oman. Khazaen has effectively drawn in both local and foreign investments in key economic sectors, totaling over one billion US dollars from 17 countries across the globe in a relatively brief timeframe.