Latest news with #SalehZakwani
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani British Society hosts workshop on advancing sultanate's food security
Muscat – The Omani British Society hosted a workshop on Wednesday titled 'Harvesting Oman's Resilience: Advancing Food Security Through Innovation'. The event brought together a diverse group of experts from Oman and the UK – including government officials, agri-tech pioneers, policy strategists, and business leaders – to explore innovative solutions to the sultanate's food security challenges. Saleh Zakwani, Chairman of the Omani British Society, stated that the workshop reflects the Omani British Society's commitment to facilitating dialogue on issues of strategic national importance. 'Food security is a key component of Oman's long-term vision, with a clear goal of increasing self-sufficiency and building a resilient, sustainable food system. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, we aim to support the national agenda through collaboration and knowledge exchange. We are proud to serve as a platform for these vital conversations that shape Oman's future.' In addition to individual presentations, the workshop featured a dynamic panel discussion with five distinguished participants. The panel comprised Andrea Di Lello, Senior Director, Alvarez & Marsal; Eng Asma al Hinai, Manager of the Oman Vision 2040 Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources; Edward Gilbert, Regional Agriculture and Food Counsellor for the Gulf, British Embassy Riyadh; Sameer Ul Haque, Chief Investment Officer, Tawoos Group; and Shepard (Colie) Spink, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal. The engaging panel discussion was moderated by Jesal Asher Rajda, Executive Director, Al Ansari Group. Panellists shared insights into the complex challenges facing Oman's food systems – from water scarcity to supply chain optimisation and investment in agri-tech. Eng Asma al Hinai shared updates on the government's ongoing efforts and strategic initiatives to strengthen national food security, attract investment, and increase self-sufficiency in key food commodities. She noted that, as part of its Vision 2040 objectives, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources adopted Food Security Labs as a core mechanism to implement its five-year plan. 'The outcome of the first phase, launched in 2021, has already resulted in over 340 investment projects across the agriculture, fisheries, and water resources sectors. We are currently preparing for the final session of the Food Security Lab in October this year to conclude the first phase.' These Food Security Labs, she said, are aligned with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040. More than 40 enabling initiatives have also been launched to support long-term sustainability and investor confidence in the agriculture sector. Eng Asma also highlighted the ministry's support for entrepreneurs and investors through a range of incentive packages. She emphasised Oman's strategic focus on increasing production of food commodities where self-sufficiency is currently below 75%. 'We have established a National Food Basket that includes 25 commodities across eight food crop categories. These strategic crops are the focus of a national plan to raise sufficiency levels to at least 75% by 2028.' 'To guide these efforts, we developed a comprehensive investment map, which analyses crop composition, soil texture, and groundwater availability across Oman's governorates. This will help optimise agricultural production based on regional strengths.' Looking beyond primary production, Eng Asma said that the ministry is also working to enhance value-added processing capabilities for various food commodities. Success stories include Oman's growing industries in date processing, fish canning, and dairy by-products – many of which have already surpassed 75% self-sufficiency due to domestic value addition. Haifa al Khaifi, General Secretary of the Omani British Society, expressed deep appreciation for the insightful dialogue held during the workshop. She said, 'Under the esteemed leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman has charted a clear path towards sustainable agricultural development. Convening experts from both Oman and the UK – from government officials to agri-tech pioneers – demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in bolstering national food security.' She acknowledged the critical role of public–private partnerships, the water–energy–food nexus, and coordinated supply–demand planning, and extended gratitude to all speakers, partners, and attendees for their valuable contributions.
Muscat Daily
10-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman-British Society symposium explores innovation, trade ties and Vision 2040 goals
Muscat – The Oman-British Society (OBS) hosted a symposium on Thursday to explore the future of economic development, legal frameworks, and innovation in the sultanate. Titled 'Unlocking Oman's Future: Law, Trade, and Innovation in Action', the event brought together economists, academics, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss strategies for fostering sustainable economic growth in Oman. Key topics included legal reforms, trade facilitation, technological innovation, and renewable energy, with particular emphasis on the emerging green hydrogen sector. Speaking at the opening of symposium, Saleh Zakwani, Chairman of the Oman-British Society, reaffirmed the Society's longstanding role in strengthening the deep-rooted relationship between Oman and the United Kingdom. He noted that the Oman-British Society, founded in 1991, has consistently worked to deepen bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, and partnership development. Zakwani underscored OBS's focus on enhancing commercial and industrial cooperation and broadening collaboration in education, culture, tourism, and sports between the UK and Oman. 'To advance these goals, the Society hosts meetings, seminars, lectures, and discussion forums, all aimed at nurturing friendship, trust, and mutual understanding between Oman and the UK,' he said. He added that the Society's influence is amplified by the calibre of its members, who are able to raise issues of public interest with decision-makers, thereby helping to facilitate greater trade and investment. Haifa al Khaifi, Secretary General of the Oman-British Society, said, 'It was an honour for the OBS to host this pivotal gathering, which brought together thought leaders and innovators to explore how law, trade, and innovation can unlock Oman's vast potential. The event underscored the deep-rooted Omani-British partnership, with the UK now accounting for 51% of total foreign direct investment into Oman – a testament to our enduring trust and shared vision.' She added that from green hydrogen to smart cities, Oman is charting a resilient, diversified future under Vision 2040. 'I am proud to witness this momentum and remain committed to fostering meaningful connections that will shape a prosperous, collaborative future for Oman and its longstanding partners.' The symposium provided a comprehensive overview of Oman's steady transition towards a diversified, resilient, and investor-friendly economy in line with Vision 2040. During the event, Mohammed al Hinai, a seasoned economic adviser specialising in trade, investment strategy, and economic development, spoke to Muscat Daily on the enduring strength of Omani-British relations. 'Our cooperation spans sectors such as technology, energy, and mineral resources. British companies have long invested in Oman, and this trend continues to grow,' he said. Hinai emphasised the UK's position as a European technology hub, a role that benefits Omani companies by supporting their growth in both financial and technological domains. He described such symposiums as essential for reviewing progress and stimulating dialogue in key fields such as trade, innovation, and green energy. Several speakers at the event highlighted the importance of innovation-driven policy, legal modernisation, and creating an enabling environment for start-ups and foreign investors. The role of academic and research institutions in supporting Oman's shift towards a knowledge-based economy also emerged as a key theme. In a detailed presentation, Alkesh Joshi, EY Oman Tax Leader and EY MENA Sustainability Tax Leader, outlined the country's progress towards Vision 2040 goals, citing advances in diversification, fiscal stability, and investment attractiveness. He opened his address by stressing the importance of measuring Vision 2040 implementation through performance indicators. Joshi also pointed to Oman's improved global rankings. Highlighting Oman's demographic strengths, Joshi remarked that 73% of the country's 5.2mn population fall within the 15–50 age group, offering a vibrant talent pool and consumer base. On the macroeconomic front, he said Oman's GDP performance remains competitive within the GCC, while public debt management has improved markedly. The Oman-British Society symposium concluded with a panel discussion focusing on policy recommendations and collaborative efforts between Oman and the UK to accelerate economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
