Duqm Refinery Launches Its in-country Value Program Opportunities Forum in Duqm

The program aims at maximizing the social and economic benefits during the project construction phase in Al Wusta and the whole country.

Muscat: Duqm Refinery launched yesterday its In-Country Value (ICV) Program Opportunities Forum in Crowne Plaza Hotel in Duqm. The launch of the program coincides with the commencement of construction work of the Refinery which is expected to become operational by end of 2022. The Duqm Refinery ICV program aims at maximizing the economic benefits for the local community and businesses during the construction phase. The program also aims at increasing the number of its beneficiaries and boosting the economic and social development in Al Wusta and the whole country. Moreover, the program targets local Small and Medium Sized Enterprises while promoting local supply chain. The program will provide opportunities for training, development and employment of Omani youth in a number of technical specializations needed in the project.

On this occasion, Jacobus Nieuwenhuijze, Project Director, Duqm Refinery stated "We are glad to announce these promising opportunities this project will offer to the governorate and the whole country. During construction, the project will contribute in creating training and development opportunities that will make a positive economic and social impact in the Sultanate".

Nieuwenhuijze added "The program will also contribute in spreading social welfare through embracing technical graduates from higher education institutions. Taking part in the development of Special Economic Zone of Duqm is an important objectives of our campaign as well".

Eng. Yousuf bin Mohammed Al Jahdami, Deputy Project Director elaborated in his speech on the occasion "following the wise directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said aims of concentrating efforts to develop local Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, for their positive impact in creating job opportunities for youth and for their contribution in the local economy. Today we are proud to launch our In-Country Value Program which will create business opportunities for local SMEs through the services and goods required for the project".

On the details of Duqm Refinery EPC scope of work, Al Jahdhami explained "Duqm Refinery construction projct includes three EPC phases that will be executed at the same time. Each EPC contains a number of opportunities for SMEs, local community contractors and suppliers. To achieve our goals, we have dedicated 10% of the total project value in each EPC for local SMEs, while 20% of the same value is dedicated for local sourcing of goods and services. Also, we have agreed with our contractors to implement 10% of Omanization at all occupational levels in their companies".

Nas-ha bint Mohammed Al Falahia, General Manager of Corporate Affairs stated "It is our pleasure to announce the launch of Duqm Refinery ICV as an addition to the efforts made to achieve sustainable development in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm. SEZAD is entrusted to become one of the main arteries for the national economy and a hub for petrochemical and transformational industries in the region in the near future. It also represents the cooperation between public and private sectors to attract investments and to boost economy in the Sultanate, as part of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos vision to develop the national economy".

"Scholarships scheme of Duqm Refinery ICV program will include internal and external scholarship opportunities for students" al Falahia furthered. The fully funded scholarships will focus on engineering specializations as they are needed in the local market.

In her speech, Al Falahia explained "Our ICV program offers two types of training. The first one is allocated for High Diploma holders. It will be designated for electrical, mechanical, chemical, operational specializations. We aim at shaping the skills of those candidates and to prepare them to join economic projects in the Sultanate".

Al Falahia added "the second type of training in our ICV program is training targeted at High School general diploma holders. These opportunities includes training the fields of facility maintenance, welding, electrical and mechanical fields, scaffolding and managing cranes. After the completion of the training program, trainees will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills with one of our three EPC contractors"

Jasim bin Hasan Al Ajmi, Head of Corporate Sustainability in Duqm Refinery stated "Duqm Refinery project aims at making a positive impact on the lives of the people in Oman. This impact is made by providing training and development opportunities for Omani youth. This will create the ripple effect which will positively impact other sectors in the governorate of Al Wusta and the whole country".

The forum will last for three days in Crowne Plaza Duqm. The first day of the event includes two workshops to introduce business and training opportunities for the audience. The Duqm Refinery ICV exhibition will be inaugurated today under the auspices of HH Dr Adham bin Turki Al Said. The exhibition will provide a platform for the audience to meet Duqm Refinery officials to know more about those opportunities. A number of public and private institutions will take part in the Exhibition such as SEZAD, Takatuf Oman, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Manpower, Al Raffd Fund, and Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Riyadah), British Council and the three EPC global contractors.

A special website is allocated for those who want to benefit from the opportunities offered by the program including training for development training for employment programs by visiting duqmrefinryicv.om to register. SME owners who want to compete in the offered business opportunities have to be registered in the Joint Suppliers Registration System (JSRS) of the Ministry of Oil and Gas to be eligible to compete on those opportunities.

To reach out more sections in the society, another ICV exhibition will be held in Muscat in Oman Convention & Exhibition Center on 30 September and 1 October.