(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) An agreement for setting up an Omani-Tunisian boat factory at the Raysut Industrial Estate, or RIE, in the southern Dhofar governorate has been signed in Salalah.
The RO800,000 plant will use Tunisian expertise to build European-style boats ranging between 11 and 18 metres. The boats will be priced between RO35,000-42,000, depending on specifications.
The deal for the Al Bahini Ship Manufacturing Company was signed by RIE Director-General Said bin Ali Al Maashani and Chairman Hussain bin Hathith Al Bathari.
He said the factory was the outcome of a partnership between Oman and Tunisia, adding that the unit would start production within months.
In the first year, it will produce 20 boats that will be equipped with the latest technology to survey the seabed and quantity of fish. Maashani said the factory, which will also have a maintenance facility, was the first of its kind in the sultanate to produce large fishing boats using European design.
He added that RIE was selected for the project owing to its strategic location and proximity to the Port of Salalah and access to the Yemeni and African markets.
First Kuwaits environment expo
Meanwhile, a leading Omani event firm will be organising Kuwaits first environment exhibition later this year.
The Oman International Trade and Exhibitions, or OITE, is joining hands with Kuwait International Fair, or KIF, to hold the Kuwait Environment, Water and Energy Exhibition or KEWE, from October 3 to 5 at the International Fairs Ground in Mishref.
A spin-off of the sultanates Gulf Eco Expo, KEWE is set to attract the biggest names in Kuwaits environment sector focusing on environment, water and clean energy, the OITE said.
Themed Moving Towards a Sustainable Future a highlight of KEWE will be a two-day conference at the Kuwait International Exhibition Centre.
KEWE Conference 2010 is aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders, policy-makers, researchers, academia and leaders in the business community to discuss various challenges, issues and opportunities concerning Kuwaits present environment, the OITE said.
By Ravindra Nath
