Muscat – In a major step towards enhancing industrial competitiveness and empowering national talent, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) on Monday signed a series of strategic agreements with key government bodies and private sector partners.

The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, was attended by H E Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy; H E Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry; H E Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah; and several senior officials and private sector executives.

H E Dr Masan described the agreements as a significant milestone in strengthening Oman’s industrial capabilities. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to investing in human capital, calling it a cornerstone of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. “These agreements support the goals of the Industrial Strategy 2040, which aims to establish a diversified and technology-driven industrial sector,” he said.

He noted that the ministry is translating the strategic directions of the industrial sector into tangible projects and initiatives that aim to increase added value, diversify industrial activities, boost industrial exports, attract quality investments, and strengthen investor confidence in the industrial business environment.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the ministry, the Office of the Governor of North Batinah, and Jindal Steel (Oman) for the establishment of an industrial training centre in the governorate. The centre aims to qualify national talent and enhance their readiness for the labour market.

Additionally, a financing agreement was signed with Daleel Petroleum to support the development of the ‘Tasneea’ platform – a specialised digital platform connecting procurement and contracting processes in the industrial sector with local products. This initiative aims to improve supply chain efficiency and increase in-country value.

Waleed al Maawali, senior manager of Supply and Logistics at Daleel Petroleum, commented, “The ‘Tasneea’ platform is the outcome of joint efforts between the ministry and Daleel Petroleum. It represents a strategic step forward in promoting local content. The platform will serve to connect and integrate industrial and consumer sectors, driving productivity in the industrial sector.”

The ceremony also featured the launch of training programmes by Oman Cables Industry, presented as a successful model for industrial training and qualification. This further confirms the ministry’s commitment to empowering national talent and strengthening partnerships with local manufacturers.

Eng Khalid bin Saleem al Qasabi, director general of industry at MoCIIP, stated that signing the national capabilities development agreements is a pivotal step toward achieving industrial empowerment objectives. These initiatives place national talent at the core of the industrial process by equipping them with advanced technical and vocational skills and specialised knowledge.

He added that the programmes are implemented in collaboration with specialised institutions to align educational outcomes with the needs of the industrial market, ensuring compatibility with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and fast-paced economic transformations. This will contribute to building a qualified national workforce capable of leading industrial establishments, enhancing their productivity, and boosting their competitiveness locally and globally.

On her part, Nasra bint Saif al Habsi, director general of Commerce at MoCIIP, explained that a cooperation programme was signed with Al Alamiya Retail Company. The programme includes the provision of 300 training, qualification, and employment opportunities for Omani jobseekers —100 of which are direct employment opportunities coupled with training, and 200 are training programmes linked to employment. This will enhance the presence of national talent in the job market and contribute to their economic empowerment.

Harssha Shetty, CEO of Jindal Steel (Oman), stated, “The Jindal Youth Skills Training Centre underlines our commitment to Oman Vision 2040. Social sustainability through sports and youth is at the core of our philosophy. Oman is blessed with a young population that represents almost 47% of the total population, an enthusiastic, energetic, and eager generation that is the true resource of the nation.

The Jindal Skills Training Institute will assess the skills needed among Omani youth and impart tailored industrial skill training courses to bridge the gap required for job readiness and to power Oman’s bright future.

Born out of the collective vision of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), the North Al Batinah Governorate (NABG), and chairman Naveen Jindal, the centre will serve as a shining beacon for youth development and local employment creation.

“We thank the MoCIIP and the Governor’s Office of North Al Batinah for choosing us. We are honoured to support the creation of a skilled, competitive workforce aligned with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040,” Shetty added.

Through its various initiatives and programmes, the MoCIIP seeks to support and enhance the industrial sector, which is considered a key pillar of the economic diversification strategy. The ministry is implementing its Industrial Strategy, which aims to develop an integrated industrial infrastructure, stimulate local and foreign investments, enhance industrial performance, and strengthen the competitiveness of Omani products in regional and global markets.

Furthermore, the ministry is working to create a conducive legislative and regulatory environment for industrial growth, provide incentives and facilitation to the private sector, develop specialised industrial zones, and focus on transitioning to smart manufacturing and high-value-added industries. These efforts contribute to sustainable economic development and the creation of quality employment opportunities for citizens.