MUSCAT, 15 March 2007 — Salalah, Oman’s lush green summer resort in southern province Dhofar, also known for its strategic location, is being developed by the government as an industrial estate able to match the best in the region.
The government has joined hands with Salalah Free Zone Company (SFZC) to make the best use of industrial opportunities offered by Salalah, Oman’s second largest town after Muscat and the first in terms of scenic beauty. Citizens from all over the Gulf converge during summer in this fast developing town to savor the joy of a romantic monsoon not to be found elsewhere. Maqbool bin Ali bin Sultan, commerce and industry minister, who signed the deal on behalf of the government , said Salalah remained a focal point in master plans and every effort is being done to develop and promote it the way it deserves.
Sultan bin Salim Al-Habsi, SFZC board chairman who signed the agreement on behalf of the company, called it a red letter day in the history of Salalah, busy making headways in various walks of life to meet the need of the hour.
Eng. Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Dheeb, deputy CEO of SFZC, said the agreement involved the right of empowering four investors in mega industrial projects worth 630 million rials ($1.6 billion). The projects, spread over a 112-acre land, include Octal Petrochemical Company which has already commenced commercial production. The company is in the process of building a second factory, Dunes Oman, for which the foundation stone was laid down last week.
Dhofar Nutritious Company, the second project, is expected to start functioning in April this year.
