MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is making notable efforts to enhance the efficiency of its international trade and strengthen its competitiveness in logistics by improving export and import processes, streamlining customs procedures, expanding digital trade and developing strategic ports, Oman News Agency reported.
Oman’s three main seaports — SOHAR Port and Freezone, Port of Duqm and Port of Salalah — are described as key pillars of external trade and logistics gateways linking the country to regional and global markets. ONA said Oman has invested in upgrading these ports as part of economic diversification strategies, modernising infrastructure and raising operational and digital efficiency to meet growth in trade volumes.
The Royal Oman Police, represented by the Directorate General of Customs, has undertaken a wide-ranging shift across administrative, procedural and technical levels to improve customs services for the business community, facilitate international trade flows, encourage foreign investment, strengthen the logistics sector and safeguard supply chains. A core element is the move towards a comprehensive electronic system for customs procedures and operations.
As part of that transition, Customs launched the “Bayan” system, which connects 74 government and private entities and provides 496 e-services without the need to visit Customs headquarters or border posts. Services include pre-clearance, e-payment, advance and deferred customs duty payment, clearance against bank guarantees, refunds of duties and guarantees, renewal of customs clearance licences, temporary import requests and requests to split consignments.
ONA said these measures helped position Oman among leading performers on cross-border trade in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report, ranking first in the Gulf on “Trading Across Borders”. The report highlighted infrastructure upgrades at SOHAR, electronic risk-based inspections and enhancements to customs auditing.
Customs has also launched a secure customs corridor linking ports with free zones and investment customs warehouses to ease cargo movement and introduced an electronic air waybill initiative enabling airlines and handlers to submit cargo documents digitally, speeding procedures and simplifying clearance.
Eng Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidy said the government is building an integrated, flexible logistics system to cut time and costs for moving goods through improved gateways, stronger transport links and digital solutions. Omar bin Mahmoud al Maharzi said Omani ports are connected to 86 commercial ports in 40 countries via about 200 direct weekly voyages, supporting the goals of the National Logistics Strategy 2040. — ONA
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