Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed eight new contracts for manufacture, maintenance, labor, and transport services, Muscat Daily reports.

The deals, worth more than million, were signed on September 24, mostly with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as local community contractors.

“These contracts are further testament to our strong and abiding commitment to [In-Country Value] ICV to spread the wealth of our industry throughout the wider community. The investment will support and create jobs for Omanis and help to strengthen local supply chains in terms of the provision of vital services for our operations. Each of the signatory companies has demonstrated their capability and capacity to deliver work safely, professionally and efficiently,” said PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci.

Three of the companies are manufacturing startups that were established in line with PDO’s drive to implement the ICV Blueprint Strategy for Oman’s oil and gas industry to create more jobs, training, commercial and investment opportunities for national businesses.

Furthermore, PDO was one of four Oman-based companies that recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in developing self-sustaining business models, and boost the level of Omanisation in their facilities, especially in maintenance and installations activities.