Leading Omani logistics services provider Al Madina Logistics Company has announced plans to invest in new ‘inland ports’ and warehouses in various governorates of the Sultanate. Major General Hassan Ihsan Naseeb, Chairman of Al Madina Logistics Company and Muscat Container Terminal, said that the government attaches great importance to the development of the logistics sector and infrastructure associated with this promising sector. Logistics companies play a pivotal role in increasing investments and assets to keep up with the aspirations of the good government to increase the sector’s contribution to competitiveness, facilitate trade and create additional job opportunities.
“The government’s great interest in supporting the logistics sector as one of the main pillars of economic growth and diversification has led to an increase in the volume of private sector investments,” said Mahmoud Sakhi al Baloushi, CEO of Al Madina Logistics and Muscat Container Terminal. “The company aims to construct customs warehouses near the Port of Sohar and another in Duqm Port next year, with plans for a similar facility in Salalah in the future.”
“The logistics sector is of great importance to the Sultanate in boosting the national economy and diversifying the sources of income once port and free zone infrastructure, which will host a number of industries, is completed,” the CEO said.
Al Baloushi explained that the potential of growth and investment opportunities available in this sector enable him to achieve the objectives of the long-term national strategy, which aims to boost the sector’s contribution to the GDP to about RO 14 billion.
Commenting on the Muscat Container Terminal, he said the facility currently employs around 100 staff, with Omanisation averaging 55 per cent. Efforts are under way to boost Omanisation in line with the Council of Ministers’ appeal to the private and public sectors to support the creation of 25,000 jobs for Omanis. These efforts are being coordinated with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and Ministry of Manpower.
In addition to creating employment options, Muscat Container Terminal also offers opportunities for small and medium size businesses to set up operations at this inland port.
Hamood al Mahrezi
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
