MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport and Communications on Sunday reviewed its plan for 2017 and the completion of strategic projects in 2016 in relation to roads sector, the role of ports and logistics sector and the civil aviation sector in economic development.
Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, said during the media meeting that the ministry is seeking to put the Sultanate among the leading countries in the transport and communications sector by providing high quality, accessible, sustainable and safe services taking into account social responsibility and to make the sector a second source of national income, as well as endeavouring to make the Sultanate among the top ten countries in the logistics performance at the international level by 2040.
Dr Futaisi affirmed the operational readiness stage of the passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport. The airport is scheduled to open by the end of 2017.
He also affirmed the opening of Al Batinah Expressway before traffic, in addition to the establishment of a specialised unit for the management of enterprises, which is one of Tanfeedh initiatives for the current year.
He pointed out that the first stage of the satellite project (booking of orbits, technical specifications and alternatives of implementation and human resources) will kick off, in addition to the establishment of a holding company for information technology and communications, as well as the establishment of communications towers company), enabling the Omani Broadband Company to reach the self-reliance stage in funding and the implementation of the strategic plan for the development of Oman Post Company, in addition to signing with strategic partners for some services during the current year.
Salim bin Mohammed al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Transport spoke about the most prominent projects that are expected to be completed in 2017
Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Ports and Maritime Affairs confirmed the continuation of Port Services Corporation for the management and operation of Sultan Qaboos Port in 2017.
Dr Mohammed bin Nasser al Zaabi, CEO of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), reviewed the future plan of PACA for the current year.
He pointed out that the percentage of completion in the passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport (third package) stood at 96 per cent while the percentage of completion at Duqm Airport (third package) amounted to 50 per cent.
As for Musandam Airport, tenders have been analysed, noting that the scope of work in the first stage of the project will include (preliminary study of the sites of Al Haraf, Bukha, Lima and Khasab current airport), the second stage and the duration of the first stage is 4 months and for the second stage is 12 months.
He explained that Muscat International Airport will commence operation before the end of 2017. He also affirmed that work is ongoing on rehabilitation and maintenance of the old runway of the airport.
Abdul Rahman bin Salim al Hatmi, CEO of Oman Global International Logistics Group, made a presentation addressing the Group’s plan during the current year.
The plan includes the approval of the company’s strategy, the launch of commercial and marketing brand for the company and the approval of the framework for the investment in the company.
— ONA
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