Oman Strengthens Global Seafood Presence at 32nd Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona
The Sultanate of Oman has officially launched its participation in the 32nd Seafood Expo Global, taking place in Barcelona, Spain. The Omani pavilion showcases a collaboration among the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), with Sohar International serving as a strategic partner. Eight Omani factories specializing in the processing and packaging of various fish products are also represented.
Strategic Coordination in Fisheries
His Excellency Eng. Yaqoub bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Fisheries and head of the Omani delegation, emphasized that consolidating Oman’s representation under a single national pavilion is a significant strategic move. This initiative reflects robust coordination between government entities and the private sector, aimed at showcasing the Sultanate’s capabilities in the fisheries sector.
Al Busaidi noted that the fisheries sector in Oman is experiencing substantial growth, with total production projected to reach approximately 900,000 tonnes in 2024, valued at around RO 580 million. Artisanal fishing contributes 77% of this total, while commercial fishing accounts for 68,000 tonnes, coastal fishing for 134,000 tonnes, and aquaculture production for 5,507 tonnes, valued at RO 12.4 million. He highlighted that Omani fish products are exported to over 84 countries, supported by 110 processing factories with certified quality control as of 2025, enhancing the reliability and global competitiveness of Omani seafood.
Opportunities for Growth and Development
Al Busaidi further stated that Oman’s participation in this international platform is expected to bolster the global presence of Omani seafood products. It aims to unlock new export and investment opportunities, facilitate knowledge transfer, and promote the adoption of advanced technologies. He indicated that these developments will ultimately enhance the sector’s competitiveness and contribute to the national economy, aligning with the objectives of economic diversification and sustainable development.
Commitment to Local Enterprises
Eng. Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi, CEO of Madayn, confirmed that the organization’s involvement in the Seafood Expo Global aligns with its commitment to supporting Omani companies and products. This participation aims to expand their presence in global markets and attract value-added investments in the fisheries sector, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Al Hadabi elaborated that Madayn’s industrial cities currently host 17 projects in the fisheries sector, comprising 12 industrial and 5 commercial initiatives, with a total investment exceeding RO 12.4 million. These projects cover over 269,000 square meters and include activities such as processing and preserving fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, as well as aquaculture and specialized retail in seafood products.
He added that Madayn will utilize its participation in the expo to showcase promising investment opportunities within the fisheries sector and related industries, aiming to attract and localize new projects across various industrial cities. This approach is part of broader efforts to enhance food security, build a resource-based economy leveraging locally available raw materials, sustain aquaculture initiatives, strengthen supply chains, and promote the growth of supporting industries.
Strategic Sponsorship and Economic Vision
Abdulwahid bin Mohamed Al Murshidi, CEO of Sohar International, remarked that the bank’s role as a strategic sponsor of Oman’s pavilion underscores its commitment to supporting sectors with significant potential for sustainable growth, investment attraction, and export development. He noted that the blue economy represents a strategic opportunity for Oman, and the bank is focused on enabling businesses within this ecosystem by connecting capital with expertise and opportunities.
Oman’s participation in the Seafood Expo Global holds strategic importance, as it is one of the premier global platforms for the fisheries sector, attracting experts and investors from around the world. The event provides a valuable opportunity to enhance Oman’s visibility in international markets, showcase the quality and competitiveness of its seafood products, explore new export pathways, attract value-added investments, and gain insights into the latest technologies and practices in fishing, processing, and marketing.
The 32nd edition of the Seafood Expo Global is the largest in the event’s history, featuring an exhibition area exceeding 53,000 square meters. Participants from over 80 countries are represented, with 62 national and regional pavilions. This year’s edition also includes a dedicated platform for startups and innovators to showcase advancements in Aquatech, AI, and sustainable aquafeed for the global seafood industry.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-21 20:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk
