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Oman eyes status as global logistics hub

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MUSCAT, JUNE 4 - Oman Global Logistics Group, representing the Omani government’s interests in the transportation and logistics sectors of the economy, has been conferred an invigorated and comprehensive mandate to help achieve the nation’s long-term ambitions as an international logistics hub under a new avatar.


The wholly government-owned holding company’s new brand was unveiled at a well-attended ceremony held yesterday under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications.


The branding represents another milestone in the evolution of an entity tasked by the government to spearhead the implementation of the National Logistics Strategy 2040 — a 25-year blueprint to position the Sultanate as a global hub for logistics.


The National Logistics Strategy 2040 has identified a number of objectives designed to boost the share of the logistics sectors in the GDP to reach RO 14 billion in 2040, alongside the creation of 300,000 jobs in the sector.  It also seeks to position the Sultanate as one of the top 10 logistics-centric economies of the world by 2040.


Indeed, the Sultanate enjoys many competitive advantages, notably its strategic location which qualifies it to become a distribution hub for the Indian Subcontinent and North African region.


The Omani government has made huge investments in the construction of modern roads, ports, airports, free zones and industrial estates to maximise the benefits stemming from its unique geographical location. Incentives have also been provided to enhance logistics services and the nation’s ability to attract foreign investments.


The newly rebranded Oman Global Logistics Group seeks to make the Sultanate a logistics hub by 2030 by developing the domestic market, facilitating businesses, promoting the uptake of modern technologies, and developing human capital. To achieve these aims, the Group will review and revamp all logistics processes, update export and import procedures, and promote the adoption of best international practices.


The new brand will also develop necessary plans to introduce legislative changes that promote best international practices and ensure quick processing of transactions. It will also join hands with public and private organisations to amend legislations, simplify legal procedures to eliminate red tape and promote best international practices.


Moreover, the Group will cooperate with the Public Authority for Customs to accelerate the procedures for licensing new local logistics startups owned by international companies.


Integrated logistics


The newly branded company seeks to enhance Oman’s name on the international stage by taking the lead in promoting the Sultanate as a leading international hub for logistics services. To achieve this goal, the Company will develop partnerships and build links with major stakeholders on the international market. It will also develop the drivers for growth and seek membership of regional industrial organisations and global forums, as well as sign agreements for enhanced trade ties with various countries.


The vision of the revamped company is to focus on the development of markets in line with the goals of the National Logistics Strategy.  TURN TO To this end, the Group will work in cooperation with the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) to monitor the sector and publish regular reports. It will also monitor market trends and competitiveness.


Additionally, the Group will reorder the market geographically and sector-wise to help optimise market opportunities. It will identify target markets for priority development through an improved database. It will link the database with potential investment opportunities and then develop logistics products and services that meet the growing needs of the market through competitive practices, better incentives, attractive rates and continuous improvement.


Modernising legislation


The new entity will carefully monitor performance indicators and review work systems that negatively impact the sector. It will ensure that local legislation is in line with international best practices.


Also as part of its new mandate, the company will seek to achieve sustainable growth by identifying basic logistics functions and roles for each sub sector connected to the logistics sector.


“We will also assess, monitor and forecast demand for the sector functions. We are committed to provide healthy work environment and enter into partnership to support the logistic services and the targeted sectors,” the newly branded company said.


“As part of our commitment to enhance the logistic services, we seek to establish a centre for logistics related employment. As part of this initiative, we will develop a databank for available job and training opportunities in the sector. We will also join hands with other relevant public and private organisations to promote awareness of the services and activities offered by the sector.”


The new brand also seeks to identify modern technology, promote their use and benefit from them in enhancing competitiveness in the world market by improving and increasing the use of modern technologies in transport, supply chains and e-commerce fields.


Its goal is to provide its services through the single window and smart applications. The plan is to achieve this aim within five years through market surveillance and data analysis.  The initiative will identify challenges and opportunities for growth in the Sultanate. The Group will also develop a strategy to re-engineer logistics-related service technologies.


By Staff Reporter


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