NewKerala.com

Oman's OQ Picks India as Launchpad for Aluminium Downstream Expansion

Oman's OQ has selected India as the starting point to promote its aluminium downstream sector, leveraging the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. The company aims to replicate the success of its plastics sector collaboration, which already has 28 agreements with Indian firms. OQ is offering direct incentives including secure raw materials at discounted rates, land, and competitive power tariffs to attract investment. The Ladayn Program, Oman's first integrated polymer-to-product ecosystem, has secured over $220 million in commitments with multiple companies beginning production in 2025.

Key Points: Oman's OQ Chooses India for Aluminium Downstream Push

  • Strategic India-Oman bilateral ties
  • Replicating plastics sector success
  • Direct incentives like discounted raw materials
  • Access to major markets from Oman
  • Ladayn Program's 2025 production start
2 min read

Chose India to promote aluminium downstream owing to strong bilateral ties: Oman's OQ's Munther Al Rawahi

OQ's Ladayan Project Head cites strong India-Oman ties and sector potential as reasons for choosing India to promote aluminium downstream manufacturing.

"We have just started promoting aluminium downstream and have chosen India as a starting point. - Munther Al Rawahi"

New Delhi, February 11

Oman's OQ's Ladayan Project Head, Munther Al Rawahi, on Wednesday said that the company has chosen India as a starting point to promote aluminium downstream, citing strong bilateral ties between the two countries and significant growth potential in the Indian aluminium sector.

Speaking to ANI, Al Rawahi said, "We have just started this sector for aluminium downstream. We began with the plastics sector and have seen significant collaboration between Indian and Omani companies. We already have 28 agreements in plastics, and now we want to replicate the same success in aluminium."

Aluminium downstream refers to industries and activities that use primary (raw) aluminium to manufacture finished or semi-finished products, including construction materials, automotive parts, packaging, and electrical components.

He added that the company has started promoting the aluminium downstream sector and has chosen India as a "starting point".

"We have just started promoting aluminium downstream and have chosen India as a starting point. The reason is simple -- due to the strong India-Oman relationship and the significant potential we see in India's aluminium sector. Indian companies can also benefit from Oman's strategic location," he added.

Al Rawahi highlighted that OQ is offering both direct and indirect incentives to attract investment.

He also noted that the "strategic location" of the Sultanate is also proven to be an important aspect in attracting investors.

"For direct incentives, we are offering security of raw materials at discounted rates, along with land incentives and competitive power tariffs. Our strategic location makes it easy to access major markets from Oman. Additionally, Oman offers strong political and economic stability," he said.

OQ's Ladayn Program is Oman's first integrated polymer-to-product industrial ecosystem.

The first wave of companies begins production under the programme in 2025.

Designed as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing, Ladayn provides European and global investors access to high-value markets with minimal competition.

In two years, Ladayn has signed 26 investment agreements, including ten in 2025 alone, securing commitments exceeding USD 220 million.

By the end of 2025, nine companies had started production as Oman turned the industrial concepts into operational projects.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very promising. Oman's strategic location is indeed a big plus for exports. If Indian companies can get raw materials at discounted rates, it will boost our competitiveness in global markets for automotive and construction components. Win-win!
R
Rohit P
Good to see deepening economic cooperation. But I hope the government ensures strong environmental safeguards are part of these deals. Downstream aluminium processing can be energy-intensive and polluting if not managed properly.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in manufacturing, this is the kind of foreign investment we need - focused on building industrial capacity and not just retail. The 28 agreements in plastics show a proven track record. Hope the aluminium sector sees similar success.
K
Karthik V
Strong bilateral ties paying off! 🇮🇳🤝🇴🇲 Our diaspora in Oman has always been a bridge. Now it's translating into concrete industrial partnerships. This will also help reduce our trade deficit with the Gulf region. Smart move.
M
Michael C
The focus on "strategic location" is key. For Indian companies looking to access African and European markets, Oman could be a perfect manufacturing and export hub. The incentives on power and land are very attractive for cost-sensitive industries.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50