SOHAR Port and Freezone hosted the third webinar in its series with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) with a focus on the growing metals industry. The webinars have increased visibility in the Indian market and highlighted the potential avenues for further trade between SOHAR and Indian businesses by highlighting SOHAR Port and Freezone’s strategic advantages, the opportunities in downstream metal operations and sharing success stories from Indian companies based in and already trading with SOHAR.

The webinar featured presentations from Robert Bartstra, Commercial Manager at SOHAR Freezone, Mohammed Al Kindi, Commercial Officer at SOHAR Freezone and representatives from leading worldwide freight and logistics operator C. Steinweg Oman LLC, located within the port. There was also a panel discussion on the topic of ‘Metals in SOHAR – Industrial Solutions’ with speakers fromAl Tamman Indsil Ferrochrome LLC Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel LLCand Sohar Aluminium, all based at SOHAR.

Omar Al Mahrizi, CEO of SOHAR Freezone, said, “SOHAR has access to an abundance of raw materials and reliable, affordable energy to facilitate primary, secondary and downstream metals projects. Over 50% of the industrial tenants within SOHAR are involved in the metals industry, including iron and copper among others, and the production of pellets, billets and liquid metal, and we are always looking to expand the possibilities to grow the cluster. Companies basing themselves here can take advantage of the free trade agreement with the United States of America, prominent anchor businesses and a steady flow of high-quality raw materials imported through the adjacent port. Our series of webinars have already been successful in generating leads between clients and potential new tenants for the freezone, and we look forward to following up on the new ways SOHAR can benefit businesses in India’s metals sector by providing a thriving gateway to new markets.” 

Mr Arnab Hazra, Deputy Secretary General, Indian Steel Association who represented FICCI, added, “The success of the webinars so far has had a profound impact on the way companies in India view doing business with SOHAR. The vast market reach has the power to transform the metals industries by providing world-leading logistics, warehousing, raw materials and downstream opportunities in a single location and bring Oman and India even closer together as trade partners. The chance to expand the fast-growing metals industries using SOHAR Port and Freezone as a regional transit point to connect Indian businesses to 550 ports around the world, which makes it a base for companies looking to expand into the growing markets across the GCC, East Africa and into Europe and North America. The webinar series offers valuable insight into the possibilities for companies to invest in SOHAR and the mutual benefits available to metals producers and suppliers from those who have already found success in the market.”

SOHAR Port and Freezone has continued to invest in the import and export of raw materials and goods produced in Sohar. Indian metal companies account for 45% of the total investment in SOHAR and the growth of new and expanding industries offers access to world-class functional connectivity and entry into global markets for growing industries. Recent expansion into the automotive industry through a new cluster at the freezone offers more opportunity to reach new customers within the region, as does further exploration into packaging for the growing food cluster.

The Freezone is equipped with warehousing and leading logistics service providers and is a growing transport hub for receiving goods for distribution within Oman, the Gulf region and around the world. SOHAR offers access to abundant raw materials as well as attractive incentives for tenants in all industries. For more information about the opportunities and advantages available at SOHAR Port and Freezone, please visit soharportandfreezone.com.