GCC
Accreditation Center Inaugurated in Muscat

Muscat,
27 Apr (ONA) — The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion
celebrated today the opening of the GCC Accreditation Center (GAC) branch in
Muscat.

This
step marks a significant step in developing Oman’s accreditation framework by
providing internationally recognized accreditation services and supporting
standardization efforts to ensure products and services comply with approved
specifications.

The
inauguration ceremony was held under the auspices of Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi,
Secretary General of the GCC, in the presence of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef,
Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion.

Eng.
Moteb Said Al Mezani, Director General of the GCC Accreditation Center, emphasized
that the opening of the center’s branch in Oman responds to the rapidly growing
demand for accreditation services and facilitates trade exchange among member
states.

He
noted that establishing a GCC accreditation body with international recognition
in Oman will enhance the competitiveness of Omani products and support service
quality, particularly in vital sectors such as health, safety, and the
environment.

For
his part, Imad Khamis Al Shukaili, Director General of Standards and Metrology
at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, explained that
the ministry is working to integrate the Omani Accreditation Center with the GCC
Accreditation Center and follow up with conformity assessment bodies to obtain
international accreditation.

He
affirmed that the GAC branch in Muscat will serve as a key supporter for
accreditation-related entities, providing local accreditation services while
training and qualifying Omani professionals.

Al
Shukaili highlighted that the ministry has implemented three national programs
in standards and metrology over the past four years, contributing to a 60%
increase in the industrial sector’s participation in developing standard
specifications. Additionally, the growth rate of standard specifications rose
from 10% in 2023 to 24% by the end of 2024.

On
the sidelines of the inauguration, the ministry launched the “Omani
Competencies Program in Standardization and Accreditation,” aimed at
building a generation of national experts in quality and conformity fields.

The
program is a pivotal initiative to qualify Omani cadres and develop their
skills in line with labour market requirements through three main tracks:
professional training for quality employees, qualifying fresh graduates, and
supporting Omani companies working in conformity verification. The program is
set to launch in the second quarter of this year through strategic
partnerships, targeting graduates, job seekers, government employees, and SME
owners.

During
the ceremony, a second contract was signed between the ministry and the GCC Accreditation
Center to develop accreditation programs, enhance the Omani Accreditation
Center’s quality manual, and upgrade accreditation standards. Additionally, the
accreditation website and programs were launched, marking the first
accreditation process for the Omani Accreditation Center and preparations for
full membership in the Arab Accreditation Cooperation.

—Ends/AG