2,500 Omanis to get jobs in logistics sector this year

The logistics sector is likely to create 2,500 jobs for Omanis this year, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC).

Revealing some ambitious plans for 2019 at a press meet, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Transport and Communications Minister, said in addition to the operation of a onestop inspection station at the Port of Salalah, jobs will be provided to 2,500 Omanis in the logistics sector.

The government will host five new pilot projects within the sailing incubator as well as support five national companies or more specialising in logistics sector for digital transformation in their institutions.

It plans to reduce the inspection rate to 10 per cent to complement the efforts of applying “risk systems”. It plans to increase pre-clearance in ports from 14 per cent to 20 per cent.

This year, it seeks a 15 per cent growth in the size of container and 20 per cent in general cargo, apart from Omani Shipping Company operating five shipping lines connecting ports of Oman.

The ministry will expand this year the Port of Suwaiq by adding a 160-metre berth for goods and additional handling equipment.

It will develop/operate ports of Khasab and Shinas by Marafi Company, in addition to operating the rock quay at Sohar Port and land port (Khazaen). It will also launch a hotline for port communications.

Dr Al Futaisi said, “We need to work on some internal targets in Suhar and Salalah free zones by attracting investments worth RO 500 million in foreign investment through attractive marketing.”

Abdul Rahman bin Salim al Hatmi, CEO of Oman Global Logistics Group (ASYAD), said the Omanisation rate in the group during 2016-18 rose from 74 per cent to 83 per cent.

Pointing at increase in the number of vessels and passengers through the Port of Sultan Qaboos, which saw 147 cruise ships and 490,000 passengers, he said the port is scheduled to receive another batch of passengers in April 2019.