Oman’s Fisheries Sector with Shrimp and Abalone Production
Editor/Mohamed Shihab
International Seafood Company (Simak), a leading force in Oman’s fisheries sector, is solidifying its position as a key driver of the nation’s economic diversification and sustainable development.The company, a strategic partnership between the Oman Investment Authority and Qatar’s Al Hasad Company, is embarking on an ambitious expansion into shrimp and abalone production. These initiatives aim to tap into high-growth export markets and contribute significantly to Oman’s blue economy, reports Jomar Mendoza from the Oman Observer.
As part of its diversification strategy, Simak is leveraging Oman’s coastal waters to establish a thriving shrimp farming operation. Shrimp farming has proven to be a lucrative sector globally, particularly in coastal regions with favorable conditions. Additionally, Simak plans to produce abalone, a premium seafood product highly sought after in East Asian markets for its culinary and medicinal value. These expansions are poised to complement Simak’s existing product lines while creating new revenue opportunities.
Zakariya Sulaiman Abdullah Al Hasni, CEO of Simak, highlighted the company’s impressive achievements and forward-looking plans: “Simak currently produces an astounding 100 million cans of tuna and sardines annually, making it one of the largest value-added fish product factories in the Middle East. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our ‘zero waste’ policy, which repurposes production by-products into economically viable fish powder and fish oil.”
The company’s facility in Duqm is strategically positioned to support these new ventures. With its abundant marine resources and access to world-class infrastructure like Duqm Port, the region offers a robust foundation for scaling operations. The expansion into shrimp and abalone production is expected to generate new employment opportunities and foster partnerships with local fishermen, ensuring sustainable sourcing practices and bolstering community livelihoods.
Al Hasni underscored Simak’s long-term vision: “Simak is an international marine products company aligned with Oman Vision 2040, targeting sustainable economic growth. Our goal is to build a diverse and sustainable seafood portfolio that not only supports Oman’s economy but also reaches Gulf, Middle Eastern, and global markets.”
With these bold initiatives, Simak is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing Oman’s fisheries sector and supporting the nation’s broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable resource management.
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