In a significant collaboration, the coastal state of Kerala in India is providing support to the Gulf nation of Oman for the development of its fishing sector. The project, facilitated by the Indo-Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce (INMECC), involves the construction of 100 Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats suitable for deep-sea fishing according to Oman’s specifications.
The construction work for these vessels will be handled by Samudra Shipyard in Aroor, Kerala, with other local companies also participating in the project. Despite having abundant marine resources and a coastline of around 3,200 kilometres, studies have shown that Oman has lagged behind in fishing infrastructure development, particularly in terms of harbours and fishing equipment.
The collaboration between Kerala and Oman is expected to address this gap and boost the fishing sector in the Gulf nation. This move aligns with Kerala’s broader vision of strengthening ties with its Middle Eastern counterparts and fostering economic cooperation, as reflected by the state’s active engagement with various entities in the region.
The project forms part of a larger trend of international collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and enhancing the capabilities of coastal communities to meet their socio-economic needs. As both Kerala and Oman work towards this shared goal, the initiative is set to reap benefits for both parties in terms of economic growth and improved marine resource management.
Further details regarding the timeline of the project, the financial implications, and potential follow-up collaborations will be announced at a later date as discussions progress.
