Three seafood factories are now operational in the Omani port city of Duqm, with a fourth set to be up and running later this year, according to the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZAD) Chairman Yahya bin Said al Jabri, writing in a statement to Oman News Agency.

The fishing harbor in the area is also under renovation and will be ready by the start of 2021. The depth of the harbor will increase by 10 meters to prepare the port for larger vessels, reports Zawya.

The decision comes as Jabri wants to accelerate Oman's role in commercial fishing.

Four more factories are planned to open and 12 companies have signed agreements with SEZAD to construct factories for sardines, feed, fish oil, and fish packaging.