Initiatives launched to enhance Oman logistics sector’s efficiency and growth
His Highness Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini bin Shihab al Said, Assistant Secretary-general of the Council of Ministers for Conferences, took centre stage on Tuesday morning to sponsor the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s celebration of the first Logistics Day.
The event, which also marked the opening of the second session of the Oman Ports Conference “Oman on the Logistics Performance Index”, was organised by Al Roya newspaper in collaboration with the Oman Logistics Association.
It served as a platform to shed light on Oman’s progress in developing its national logistics sector and its strategic alignment with the future objectives outlined in the Oman Vision 2040.
During the ceremony, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, delivered an inspiring speech emphasising the transformative role of the logistics system in Oman’s socioeconomic landscape.
He underscored the system’s resilience and adaptability over the years, evolving in tandem with the country’s renaissance and receiving steadfast support from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Al Maawali stressed the crucial role of logistics in economic development, noting that the sector’s growth is pivotal to achieving the ambitious goal of becoming the second-largest contributor to Oman’s gross domestic product by 2040.
The celebration of Logistics Day holds significant importance, symbolising Oman’s historical engagement in logistics with the arrival of the ship Sultana in the United States on April 30, 1840.
This year’s theme, “Growth... Integration... Sustainability,” encapsulates the ethos of sustainable development and collaborative progress in the logistics sector.
The occasion serves as a call to action for public and private enterprises, urging them to synergise efforts, foster integration, and drive growth to realise the objectives set forth in the Oman Vision 2040.
In line with the spirit of celebration and progress, a series of dynamic initiatives were announced during the event to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Oman’s logistics sector:
1. Free Transportation for Students:
A programme offering free transportation for college and university students in Muscat and Salalah for a period of two years aims to facilitate access to educational institutions and promote mobility among the youth.
2. Public Transport Open Day:
An initiative providing free public transportation for Omani citizens in Muscat and Salalah for three days starting from Thursday, May 2, 2024, seeks to promote the use of public transport and improve accessibility within urban areas.
3. Programme for Enhancing Graduates’ Employability:
A comprehensive plan to train and employ 100 graduates with “Level 3” certificates from the Certified Logistics Institute in the supply chain sector, fostering skills development and addressing labour market demands.
4. Work Experience Programme for School Students:
A summer initiative targeting students in the tenth and eleventh grades to gain practical training in logistics companies, offering handson experience and exposure to career opportunities in the industry.
5. Introductory Programme on Logistics in Ports:
An educational initiative welcoming school students to explore the logistics sector at ports in different governorates, fostering an understanding of port operations and logistics management.
6. Empowerment of Small and Medium Enterprises:
Providing innovative solutions and a 25% discount on storage, packaging, and shipping services for entrepreneurs in the logistics sector, supporting small and medium enterprises in their growth and expansion endeavours.
Furthermore, the event showcased the launch of the Otaxi initiative, offering transportation services for guests and attendees, with discounts and special offers in luxury cars and taxi services.
The female taxi training programme, diploma programme in Logistics Management, and workshops to attract investment in the logistics sector highlight Oman’s commitment to continuous improvement, capacity building, and sectoral development in the pursuit of a vibrant and sustainable logistics industry.