Muscat, 30 Jan (ONA) --- The Shura Council today hosted Dr. Ali Mas'oud Al Sunaidi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), who spoke about a variety of performance indicators and services offered by OPAZ.

Through visual presentation, Al Sunaidi gave details elucidating the volume of local and international investments and performance indicators of project growth in the special economic zones and free zones in different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

Al Sunaidi also spoke about OPAZ goals of creating economic mechanisms that utilize the competitive advantages of the Sultanate of Oman with the prime aim of achieving balanced, diversified and sustainable economic development. The mechanism seeks to attract large production units (factories) and make use of local natural resources, including oil, gas, renewable energy, mineral raw materials and fisheries, Al Sunaidi said.

He added that the projects are aimed to augment in-country value (ICV), develop tourism in the zones and provide direct and indirect employment.

Al Sunaidi touched on the incentives offered by OPAZ, the accomplishments of the economic zones and investment alliances, notably in Al Wusta Governorate, which is considered a regional hub for renewable energy, hydrocarbons, logistic services and export.

--- Ends/AB/KH