Oman- In a strategic move aimed at catalyzing the expansion of Oman’s fisheries sector, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources have launched a competitive process to award a 30-year concession for the development, management, operation, and maintenance of the Liwa Fishery Harbour through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model.
Situated on Oman’s North Al Batinah coast, the Liwa Fishery Harbour is on the verge of a transformative journey, as a substantial plot of land spanning around 54,000 square meters is now available for diverse commercial ventures. This encompasses potential ventures such as a beach resort, boat club, gated community, retail complexes, and industrial facilities, aligning with Oman’s overarching strategy to engage private sector expertise and investments for the project’s sustainable long-term development.
The concession agreement not only solidifies the winning bidder’s role in steering the harbor’s development but also mandates investment in crucial facilities. These include a Fish Auction & Market Complex, Cold Storage, Admin Building, Shops & Storage Rooms, Ice Plant, Fuel Supply Unit, Repair Yards, First Aid Room, and Security Room.
Already a bustling center for fishery activities with 1,000 Omani fishermen and over 300 fishing boats, the Liwa Harbour strategically stands just 15 kilometers from Sohar Port and Freezone. Notably, the harbor witnessed a significant surge in fish landings in 2021, surpassing 4,000 tonnes, marking a fourfold increase over the past decade.
The Omani government envisions fishery harbors not only as economic drivers but also as enticing hubs for leisure and marine tourism. The deadline for interested parties to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in response to the PPP initiative is September 2, 2023. With a concession award expected by April 2024, this project, initially tendered in 2019 and subsequently re-tendered in December 2021 following a pandemic-induced hiatus, is poised to impart a substantial positive impact on Oman’s economy. The PPP model, fostering a lasting collaboration between the government and the private sector, is anticipated to generate employment opportunities, bolster the fishing industry, and attract a greater influx of tourists to the region.
The Liwa Fishery Harbour project stands as a testament to Oman’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification, positioned to emerge as a symbol of progress and prosperity in the region.
