INVESTMENTS in all industrial estates operated by Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) totalled RO4.4 million ($11.4 billion) at the end of last year, its CEO has said.

Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani also said the number of projects touched 1,287 of which 184 are under construction and another 377 have been allotted plots. Many of these are expected to begin operations during this year and the next.

PEIE is conducting studies to establish new industrial estates in the governorates of Dhahirah, Musandam, Dhofar, Wusta, Batinah South, Batinah North, Buraimi and Dakhliya.

A new industrial estate in Sumayil will occupy 7.4 million sq m and is expected to attract 345 projects, of which 140 have already signed up. Investment of RO200 million is targeted.

A 1.5 million sq m area has been designated for the Al Mazyounah Free Zone while Raysut Industrial Estate is being expanded.

In the capital area, Knowledge Oasis Muscat is planned to be expanded in three phases, the first of which will be completed in 2015. The main business hub, Rusayl Industrial Estate, is being extended by 3 million sq m and a new logistics services area will be set up there for which a consultant is preparing detailed designs.

At Sohar Industrial Estate, PEIE is planning to complete all services for Phases 1 to 6. Development is underway for Phase 7 which will have an area of 8 million sq m.

Al Hasani said public response to the National Business Centre (NBC) announced last year has been enthusiastic with several applications coming in. NBC will help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with support services, consultancy and financial help.

Meanwhile, PEIE hosted the Polyolefin Plastic Arabia Conference in late May at Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Presentations on investment opportunities in Oman and a variety of business topics relevant to the global plastics industry were discussed.

More than 500 participants representing local, regional and international organisations took part in the event.