Monday 16 / September / 2024
Muscat: Industry experts in Oman will discuss the challenges and developments in the logistics sector in the country at a session tomorrow, organised by Ithraa as part of the ‘Inside Stories.’
“Oman is positioning itself as a regional logistics hub in the region and the infrastructure is already in place with the new ports and airports. The importance of logistics is that it’s the main driver of the non-oil diversification plan that the country is working on,” said Imad Al Khaduri, General Manager at the Oman Global Logistics Group SAOC.
Although the infrastructure is in place, Al Khaduri pointed out to a major shortcoming. He said all such development was happening at a time of global recession, thus directly impacting the trade. “The infrastructure is coming up in the midst of a global recession, so the volumes that are supposed to come to Oman are less. Reflecting the global trend, trade is declining. So, while it is a very important and tough time for Oman but I think with the infrastructure in place, things will get better from next year,” Al Khaduri added.
Today, 64 per cent of all travel happens within urban environments and the total amount of urban kilometres travelled is expected to triple by 2050. Freight transport is responsible for 20 per cent of road traffic, 30 per cent of road occupation and 30 per cent of carbon emissions in the cities.
Urban logistics are essential to the functioning of Oman’s city economies, ensuring the supply of goods in stores.For local firms, it forms a vital link with suppliers and customers.
“The shortcomings are global.Logistics is a highly evolving industry and it is changing rapidly, thanks to progress in technology. Every country has problems keeping up with that change in technology. Therefore, it is important to shore up the ability to cope with transport management systems, warehouse management systems, GPS etc.
“There is need for this message to percolate to the smaller operators and make sure that they are at the same level as bigger operators.That’s one of the global challenges and shortcomings that we also have in Oman,” said Chris Clark, International Development Manager, MedServ.
Organised by Ithraa, the Inside Stories is a platform for discussion and sharing knowledge. “The four evenings are designed to get the word out that there are significant investment and career opportunities available now and in the future for people interested in Oman’s tourism, manufacturing, logistics and waste management. This will help raise the Sultanate’s reputation as a destination for enterprise,” said Sajda Al Ghaithi, Ithraa’s media director and organiser of the initiative.
The session will see four industry experts sharing knowledge and opinion with academicians, executives of companies, students and other attendees. Panelists include Ali Thabet, Country Manager DHL Express, Sheikh Rashid Saif al Saadi, Chief Executive Officer of the National Investment Development Company SAOC (TANMIA), Imad al Khaduri, General Manager, Business Development at the Oman Global Logistics Group SAOC and Chris Clark, International Development Manager, MedServ.
