The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Muscat recently signed 62 usufruct contracts in the agriculture and industry sectors, with a combined investment value exceeding OMR12.5 million. These contracts were signed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, as well as the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED). Seven of the contracts were specifically for projects related to food security laboratories, with a total investment value of over OMR1.5 million. These projects will be located in the governorates of Al Dakhiliyah, Dhofar, and South Al Batinah, aimed at enhancing food security and boosting growth in the agriculture sector.
Additionally, five contracts were allocated for agriculture projects through the Tatweer platform, with an investment value surpassing OMR2.6 million. These projects will be implemented in the governorates of Al Buraimi, Dhofar, and Al Dhahirah. Furthermore, four contracts were signed to establish branches for the Oman Agricultural Association in the governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, North A’Sharqiyah, and South A’Sharqiyah. Over half of the contracts, totaling 28, were designated for projects focusing on wheat cultivation in Al Najd area within the Governorate of Dhofar, with an investment value exceeding OMR5.6 million.
The contracts also earmarked 12 agreements for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Governorates of South Al Batinah and A’Dakhiliyah, with an investment value exceeding OMR998,000. These projects will cover a combined area of over 6,000 square meters, serving both the industrial and commercial sectors. Additional six usufruct contracts were signed to implement investment and development projects in the governorates of South Al Batinah, A’Dakhiliyah, North A’Sharqiyah, and Dhofar. With an investment value of more than OMR1.7 million, these contracts will cater to the agricultural and industrial sectors in the region.
The contracts were signed by Eng. Hamad Ali Al Nazwani, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for Housing, in the presence of Eng. Yaqoub Khalfan Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Fisheries. This collaboration between various government entities highlights the commitment to fostering growth and development in the agriculture and industry sectors, as well as supporting SMEs in the region. The investments made through these contracts are expected to have a positive impact on food security, economic growth, and job creation in the governorates mentioned. Overall, the signing of these usufruct contracts signifies a step towards sustainable development and prosperity in the Sultanate of Oman.