MUSCAT: The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) held it’s the first meeting for the year 2022, chaired by HE Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Board Chairman, at the Authority’s headquarters in Muscat.

In light of the support given by the Board to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the zones affiliated with the Authority, the Board approved during the meeting, the new commercial registration fees for SMEs after the Authority obtained the necessary approvals from the competent authorities. In view of the approval, the registration fees and the registration renewal of SMEs in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) have been amended to be the same as the approved fees of the activities of InvestEasy. The Board approved to put the decision into force starting from March 6, 2022.

During the meeting, the Board reviewed the efforts and contributions made by OPAZ towards social responsibility in all the zones affiliated with the Authority, and the Authority’s plans to enhance the lifestyle in SEZAD in particular, the Board was also briefed on the efforts made by the departments and the operating companies to localize investments in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, Sohar Free Zone, Salalah Free Zone, and Al Mazyouna Free Zone.

Within the environmental efforts, the Board also discussed the afforestation and greening of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm within the beautification projects of the Zone which includes several beautification initiatives including the establishment of natural parks in some areas. Moreover, The Board reviewed the efforts of the Authority in completing some road projects of the schemes, the construction of the main and secondary roads of Saay commercial neighborhood, and the light and medium industries zones.