Master developer Khazaen Economic City (KEC) intends to build a modern fruits and vegetable market in its new city according to a report from the Muscat Daily. The 430,000sqm market will feature shaded and air-conditioned areas for wholesale outlets and retail shops.

The market will adopt best international practices in terms of infrastructure development, storage, packaging, handling, transportation, parking and value-added services, the developer said.

“Fruits and vegetables consumption volume in Oman has increased at a compounded growth rate of 14.1% during the last five-years period to reach 1.94m tons in 2017. The increasing urban population, rising tourist arrivals, growing food consumption and evolving consumer preferences for year-round demand for fresh and quality produce are factors driving the demand for the new central fruits and vegetables market in Khazaen,” said Eng Kalat al Bulushi, chairman of KEC.

The Omani developer is now requesting proposals from local and international private sector firms to design, build, finance and operate the proposed market in Khazaen.

Real estate services and investment management company Colliers International has been appointed to market the project to regional and international developers, operators and investors.