SEFCO, Omani growers sign sesame farming pact
The initiative is part of a wider collaboration involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, and the Salalah Free Zone. It aims to link local agricultural output with the food processing industry, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
As per the agreement, SEFCO will procure the full sesame yield from farmers during the first harvest season, with plans to scale up in future phases. The project presently involves around 35 farmers and spans 600 acres of farmland, with a projected yield of 300 tonnes in its first season. It is expected to reduce reliance on imported sesame, thereby supporting local industries such as tahini and halwa production.
Sesame is highly compatible with the desert environment of Najd and is prized for its versatility across food, cosmetics and traditional medicine, as well as its rich nutritional value.
Dr Ali Tabouk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, remarked, 'Our objective is to stimulate economic growth by enabling meaningful collaborations between investors in the zone and the local community. This initiative underscores our focus on building industries rooted in local resources and fostering sustainable development across Dhofar and Oman.'
The agreement stands as a model of effective public-private partnership, illustrating how government entities, free zones and the private sector can unite to support SMEs, enhance food self-sufficiency and drive long-term national growth.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
11 hours ago
- Observer
Forum discusses impact of tech on jobs and skills
SALALAH: Oman has officially launched the 'Future of the World of Work Forum' in Salalah, marking a major milestone in national and regional efforts to prepare for fast-evolving changes in the labour market. Organised by the Ministry of Labour as part of the broader Labour Forum, the event is taking place over two days in Dhofar Governorate and brings together a wide range of experts, policymakers and academics from across Oman and the Gulf. The forum aims to generate actionable recommendations that enhance national employment strategies Held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment, the forum serves as a strategic platform to explore how economic and technological transformations are reshaping jobs, skills and employment systems. The goal is to anticipate future shifts and develop policies that equip Oman's workforce — and those across the GCC — with the tools to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. On its first day, the forum featured two major dialogue sessions addressing pressing issues facing today's labour markets. The first session, titled 'Major Transformations and the Sustainability of Labour Markets', presented three policy-driven working papers on economic transformations, employment policies focused on continuous learning, and GCC approaches to labour market sustainability. The forum aims to generate actionable recommendations that enhance national employment strategies The second session focused on education and skills under the theme 'Economic Transformations and the Future of Skills: The GCC Context.' Speakers shared insights on leading the employment ecosystem through governance models, forecasting skills needs to meet development goals and the evolving role of education policy. The forum's themes align with Oman Vision 2040 and the broader Gulf vision for inclusive, sustainable and knowledge-based economic growth. It aims to generate actionable recommendations that enhance national employment strategies and ensure regional human capital can adapt to future challenges. Running alongside the main forum is an exhibition titled 'Future Talents... Thought and Action', featuring innovative student projects from vocational colleges across Oman. This space provides young Omanis a platform to showcase their creativity and readiness for the future workforce. A special session held as part of the exhibition discussed vocational training and entrepreneurship to empower youth to take an active role in sustainable development. The 'Future of the World of Work Forum' underlines Oman's proactive commitment to preparing a resilient and future-ready workforce, capable of navigating global shifts while driving national and regional prosperity.
Observer
21 hours ago
- Observer
Oman–China strategic cooperation: Anchoring the future through people, partnership, and purpose
As global markets shift and geopolitical dynamics evolve, Oman and the People's Republic of China have steadily forged a partnership that exemplifies strategic foresight, economic complementarity, and cultural affinity. This evolving relationship, grounded in history and propelled by shared ambitions, has grown into one of the most significant bilateral frameworks in the region. Recent developments—most notably the Third Session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025 in Salalah—reaffirm the commitment of both nations to elevate their cooperation into a model for sustainable and diversified development. The transformation of this partnership is visible not only in its diplomatic momentum but also in the depth of its economic engagement. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China into Oman has grown remarkably, rising from RO 627 million in 2022 to RO 1.1 billion in 2023, and further reaching RO 1.3 billion in 2024. With this upward trajectory, China now ranks fourth among Oman's top FDI source countries. These figures reflect an evolving economic synergy—one that is well-aligned with Oman Vision 2040's aspirations for greater diversification, industrial sophistication, and global integration. Trade dynamics have also advanced in scope and complexity. In 2024, Oman's exports to China totaled RO 9.3 billion, making up 40% of the nation's total exports. Crude oil remained the dominant commodity at RO 9 billion, followed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at RO 110 million and methanol at RO 44 million. Conversely, Omani imports from China stood at RO 1.8 billion, accounting for 11% of total imports, and included vital infrastructure materials such as oil pipelines. With such numbers, China holds the position of Oman's fourth-largest trade partner among Arab and global nations. Yet beyond trade and investment, the true strength of the Oman–China relationship lies in its people-to-people connectivity and institutional cooperation. Partnerships do not thrive solely on numbers—they are sustained through dialogue, shared values, and collaborative learning. The forum in Salalah, held under the theme 'Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals,' was emblematic of this ethos. It brought together business leaders, experts, and institutional stakeholders to explore ways of aligning China's developmental experience with Oman's long-term vision. Importantly, the forum was not merely a ceremonial gathering; it was a platform for business-to-business engagement, project exploration, and cultural understanding. Organisations such as the Oman-China Friendship Association (OCFA) are central to cultivating this connective tissue. Acting as an enabler of cross-sector cooperation, OCFA supports initiatives that span economic, cultural, and humanitarian domains. From business forums and bilateral exhibitions to cultural programs and exchange initiatives, the association ensures that the Oman-China relationship remains vibrant at both grassroots and strategic levels. By championing informal diplomacy and trust-building efforts, OCFA helps convert high-level agreements into practical, people-centered outcomes. The private sector, in particular, stands to benefit immensely from this robust bilateral framework. Chinese investors have shown sustained interest in Oman's Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, particularly those in Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah, where joint ventures in manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy are gaining momentum. Omani firms, in turn, are increasingly exploring opportunities to tap into China's manufacturing capabilities, technology ecosystem, and vast consumer markets. This mutual engagement is not only fostering economic resilience but also expanding the industrial base of the Sultanate. One of the most promising sectors in this regard is manufacturing, which is fast becoming a cornerstone of Oman's economic diversification strategy. Over the past four years, the manufacturing sector has achieved an average growth rate of 7.3%, reaching a value of RO 3.6 billion in 2024, equivalent to 9% of Oman's GDP. Export figures from this sector are equally impressive, totaling RO 6.2 billion. Meanwhile, FDI into manufacturing surged from RO 1.7 billion in 2021 to RO 2.5 billion in 2024, and Chinese capital is expected to further catalyse this momentum. With enhanced collaboration in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and technology transfer, the sector is poised for accelerated expansion. This dynamic is further supported by Oman's strategic location at the crossroads of major global trade routes, modern logistics infrastructure, and transparent investment frameworks. As China continues its outward economic engagement—driven by the Belt and Road Initiative—Oman is well-positioned to serve as a critical link between Asia, the Gulf, East Africa, and beyond. The alignment of China's manufacturing strength with Oman's logistics potential presents a compelling value proposition for businesses on both sides. But even as the Oman-China relationship advances on commercial and strategic fronts, it is the human element that will ensure its endurance. Skills development, training programs, academic exchange, and joint innovation hubs are vital for fostering shared competencies. Thousands of Omanis have already participated in China-led capacity-building efforts, and expanding this cooperation to cover new fields—such as fintech, agritech, and AI—can build a knowledge ecosystem that supports long-term national transformation. In a time marked by uncertainty and fragmentation in the global economy, partnerships with high-growth, high-capacity economies like China are not simply desirable—they are essential. China, with a GDP exceeding USD 20 trillion and a population of 1.5 billion, offers not only market access and investment capital, but also valuable developmental experience. Oman, with its unique geographic positioning and clear national vision, offers stability, opportunity, and an open invitation for strategic collaboration. The road ahead calls for more structured cooperation—defined projects, clear timelines, and institutional partnerships that bring the private sector to the forefront. By weaving together economic opportunity with cultural understanding and human development, the Oman–China partnership is steadily laying the foundations for a prosperous, resilient, and forward-facing future.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Black Box Technology: Empowering digital transformation through secure innovation
Muscat – Black Box Technology, a premier IT solutions provider in Oman, was recently awarded 'Best IT Infrastructure Solutions Provider' at the second edition of the Muscat Daily Cybersecurity & Cloud Conference and Awards. The firm was honoured for delivering innovative, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure solutions that drive business growth and digital transformation. In this exclusive interview, Mahendra Unadkat, Managing Director and CEO of Black Box Technology, shares insights into the company's mission, core offerings, and strategic roadmap. From supporting national priorities under Oman Vision 2040 to driving innovation in cybersecurity and hybrid cloud solutions, Unadkat sheds light on how Black Box Technology is helping businesses across the sultanate embrace a resilient and future-ready digital landscape. Black Box Technology recently won the 'Best IT Infrastructure Solutions Provider' award. What does this recognition mean for your team, and how does it validate your vision of driving secure digital transformation in Oman and beyond? We are truly honoured to receive the award for Best IT Infrastructure Solutions Provider. This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication, technical expertise, and unwavering focus on client success. It validates our long-standing vision of empowering Omani businesses with secure, scalable, and future-proof digital infrastructure. More than just a milestone, this accolade energises us to continue leading digital transformation initiatives both within Oman and across the region. It reinforces our commitment to aligning with national development goals while staying ahead of global technology trends. Black Box Technology is known for its innovative and scalable infrastructure solutions. For readers unfamiliar with your full offering, could you walk us through the core services you provide, and how they uniquely address the needs of Omani enterprises and institutions? At Black Box Technology, we offer a comprehensive suite of IT infrastructure services designed to meet the evolving needs of Omani enterprises. Our core offerings include: cybersecurity services; IT infrastructure design and deployment; software licensing and IT peripherals; cloud and hybrid environment management; and IT staffing and managed services. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the local market. Every solution we deliver is tailored to comply with Omani regulations and to support the operational realities of both large organisations and SMEs. We work together with our clients to address sector-specific challenges, helping them achieve business continuity, operational efficiency, and scalable growth. Cybersecurity and hybrid cloud are top concerns for businesses today. How is Black Box Technology enabling Omani organisations to transition securely into modern IT environments, while ensuring compliance, resilience, and operational efficiency? At Black Box Technology, we take a security-first, multi-layered approach to digital transformation. We start by conducting thorough Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) to identify and mitigate risks early. From there, we design and deploy hybrid cloud architectures that meet both global standards and local regulatory requirements. Our 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) and surveillance services ensure continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure, enhancing resilience and reducing response times. Beyond technology, we also support clients with audit readiness, compliance frameworks, and data protection policies – ensuring their IT environments are not just modern and efficient, but also fully compliant and secure. With Oman Vision 2040 driving digital transformation across sectors, how is Black Box Technology aligning its technology roadmap and consulting approach to support this national agenda – particularly for SMEs and mission-critical industries? Oman Vision 2040 places strong emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusive economic development – principles that closely mirror our mission at Black Box Technology. We have structured our technology roadmap to directly support these national priorities. For SMEs, we focus on delivering scalable, cost-efficient IT solutions that grow with their evolving needs, helping them compete and innovate without being burdened by complexity or high costs. For mission-critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and utilities, our approach centres on resilience, security, and strategic consulting. We work closely with these industries to implement robust digital infrastructures that not only meet today's demands but also support long-term transformation goals. Ultimately, our goal is to make digital advancement both accessible and meaningful – helping clients become active contributors to Oman's broader vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Looking ahead, what are Black Box Technology's strategic priorities following this award and the exposure at the Muscat Daily Cybersecurity and Cloud Conference? Can we expect any new innovations, partnerships, or expansions in the Omani market soon? Absolutely. This recognition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Black Box Technology. Building on the momentum from the Muscat Daily Cybersecurity and Cloud Conference, we are strategically focused on expanding our footprint in Oman through meaningful partnerships, enhanced service offerings, and breakthrough innovations in cloud and AI-driven infrastructure. We are also investing heavily in talent development and strengthening our managed services to better support key sectors like government, banking, and healthcare. You can certainly expect to see new strategic collaborations and local initiatives that not only reflect our commitment to secure digital transformation but actively shape its future in the region.
