Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has unveiled six new investment opportunities in the fisheries sector as part of its efforts to expand value-added industries and strengthen Oman’s blue economy.

Launched under the theme ‘From the Sea to Manufacturing’, the initiative aims to attract investors to establish specialised seafood processing facilities that enhance local value addition, create employment opportunities and support the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

According to the ministry, the projects include factories for canning large and small pelagic fish, processing tuna and mackerel, and producing preserved seafood products. The investment opportunities are located in South Sharqiyah and Al Wusta governorates, areas known for their rich marine resources and strategic access to fishing grounds.

The ministry said the proposed factories are expected to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities by converting raw fish into higher-value products for local and international markets, while also contributing to food security and export growth.

Two of the opportunities involve the production and preservation of anchovies, with investors able to utilise licensed fishmeal and fish oil facilities to maximise efficiency and reduce waste.

Applications can be submitted until August 13.

The ministry noted that the selection process will be conducted through a competitive bidding mechanism based on approved technical standards and licensing requirements, in accordance with the provisions of the Living Aquatic Resources Law and related regulations.