Qatar’s leading project management consultancy Astad has signed an agreement with Oman-based Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) to promote bilateral co-operation on building and infrastructure projects in the sultanate.

Astad has launched its international operations and the firm is prepared to support the developments under way in Oman in line with the Oman Vision 2020, reported The Gulf Times.

The strategic partnership is a reflection of the continued efforts Astad is making towards enhancing business relations between the two brotherly nations, stated the report citing a top official.

Astad has managed and delivered some of the most complex building and infrastructure projects in various sectors of the construction industry, said its chief executive Ali Al Khalifa.

The establishment of Astad’s office in Oman coupled with this strategic partnership with PDO reinforces our aim to support the nation’s building and infrastructure developments, he added.

PDO managing director Raoul Restucci said the collaboration with Astad represents a strategic partnership which could see the Omani firm expanding its role in project management in the sultanate.

Both parties already have great expertise and experience in executing a wide range of engineering and construction projects and we want to investigate if we can pool our resources and bring about greater efficiency and speed of delivery, he added.

PDO is the leading exploration and production company in Oman delivering the majority of the country’s crude oil production and natural gas supply.