Muscat: The General Secretariat of the Tender Board launched the National Lab for Local Content on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, with participation from over 43 government and private entities. The event was graced by Dr. Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, and Eng. Badr bin Salim al Maamari, Secretary General of the Tender Board.
The two-week initiative aims to enhance local content and drive national economic growth. Key discussions will address policies to promote the use of local resources, forge partnerships with educational institutions to develop skills, expand local businesses, and foster international collaboration to increase global awareness of Omani products. The focus will be on critical sectors, including energy, minerals, construction, health, and security, aiming to boost reliance on local products, create employment opportunities, and promote innovation and industrial development.
Officials revealed that Oman will unveil a Guide for the National Content Strategy in March.
Eng. al Maamari highlighted the lab’s goal of maximizing local value by prioritizing national industries, boosting local production, and enhancing the capabilities of Omani companies. He emphasized that these efforts would reduce dependence on imports, enhance export potential, and generate more job opportunities for Omanis.
In a statement to the Oman Observer, Dr. al Saqri further explained that the laboratory’s efforts aim to increase In-Country Value (ICV) across various critical sectors, including health, construction, and utilities like electricity and water services. The lab will also examine ways to improve local content in procurement processes for civil and defense sectors.
Dr. al Saqri stressed that these initiatives are vital for strengthening Oman’s economic sustainability, asserting that by increasing local content, the country will support national industries, create jobs, and promote innovation throughout the Sultanate.
