Duqm Economic Forum 2025 ConcludesDuqm, 28 Oct (ONA) —The proceedings of the 2nd Duqm Economic Forum concluded today.The second and final day’s sessions covered the following topics: “The Art of Agility: Manufacturing in a Fast-Paced World”; “Greenfield Development, Blue Sky Thinking: Duqm Urban Infrastructure Design”; “The Smart Frontier: Positioning Duqm as a Leader in Future Ready Urbanisation”; “Talent Magnet: Live, Work & Play” and “It Takes a Village: Empowering Communities Through Tourism Development”.The sessions underpinned that the Forum serves to renew emphasis on Oman’s growing leadership in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, sustainable tourism, and smart city development, aligning with Oman Vision 2040.Experts discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and data analytics contribute to creating advanced manufacturing environments. They also reviewed the changing relationship between automation and human expertise, and how a culture of innovation can transform volatility into a competitive strength.On the logistics front, speakers reviewed how Duqm’s location, efficient customs procedures, and infrastructure contribute to building flexible and regionally integrated supply chains.They also discussed how Omani companies are accelerating product development cycles to deliver more precise and responsive solutions.It is worth noting that the Forum is one of the most prominent economic events dedicated to highlighting the current strategic plans for the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and contributing to the planning and shaping of the Zone’s future in both the near and long term.Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) explained that the Duqm Economic Forum 2025 highlighted Duqm’s diverse and immense potential. He described Duqm as a fast-growing city, a distinguished destination for coastal and resort tourism, a center for the next generation of manufacturing industries, and a hub for innovation and economic change.He noted in his speech that the cumulative investment in the Duqm Special Economic Zone, which has reached over RO 6.3 billion (equivalent to $16.4 billion USD), clearly demonstrates the confidence global investors have in Duqm as a high-value destination for sustainable growth and real opportunities.He affirmed that the panel discussions at the Forum provided a window into Duqm’s rich possibilities and its notable competitive advantages, noting that the Forum is a platform for future cooperation and shared achievement.Participants in the Forum affirmed that the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has many promising investment opportunities.Masahiro Yoshimura, General Manager of Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation, explained that the Duqm Special Economic Zone has unique features that make it an attractive investment environment.He highlighted Duqm’s strategic location as a gateway linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.He added that the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Energy Development Oman (EDO) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation will open new horizons for strategic cooperation between the two companies, particularly in the energy sector supply chain.For his part, Manikandan, Development Manager at Delta Infra Logistics Company pointed out that Duqm enjoys promising future opportunities, encompassing the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and various types of industries.He noted that developing these opportunities will bring substantial positive returns for the Sultanate of Oman.It is worth noting that the Forum — organized by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ)— is one of the most prominent economic events focused on highlighting the current strategic plans for SEZAD and contributing to the planning and shaping of the Zone’s future in both the near and long term.—Ends/AG