The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) received on Monday, September 9, 2024, a delegation from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The delegation met with Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), and Eng Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, along with several officials from the Authority.

During the meeting, the efforts of the Authority to implement several infrastructure projects in SEZAD were reviewed. These projects aim to facilitate local and foreign investment in the region, which has directly contributed to attracting numerous local and international projects and increasing interest in investment in Duqm.

Dr Al Sunaidy also discussed enhancing cooperation with the AIIB to leverage the Bank’s mechanisms for financing new projects in SEZAD. This includes projects related to renewable energy, green industries, logistics and supply chains, and those aimed at improving the quality of life, including tourism and service projects.

The AIIB delegation praised the growth observed in Duqm over the past years since their last visit to the region in 2019, expressing their interest in strengthening cooperation with the Authority and the Bank’s intention to expand its operations in Duqm. During their visit to SEZAD, the delegation reviewed several projects in the region, including the commercial quay at Port of Duqm, which the Bank helped finance, as well as the fishing port, the seafood and food processing zone. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the contributing countries to the AIIB.