OMAN TO HOST INTERNATIONAL ROAD UNION WORLD CONGRESS
The Sultanate will host the International Road Union (IRU) World Congress titled ‘Innovation on the Move,’ under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty, in Muscat from November 6 to 8.
The IRU World Congress, will be a platform for global decision-makers to exchange ideas, debate solutions and define the future of the transportation and logistics industry. Government ministers, business executives and logistics experts will come together at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre to network, discuss and explore innovative solutions on road transport and trade. The IRU World congress is being organised by the IRU and co-hosted by ASYAD and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
“The IRU World Congress’s selection of Oman to host such a prestigious event is a testament to quality and future of the transportation and logistics infrastructure within the Sultanate,” said HE Eng. Salim bin Mohammed Al Naimi, Undersecretary of Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Communications and Chairman of the IRU World Congress Organising Committee. “Oman is an up and coming logistics hub with a modern and fast diversifying economy. We continue to leverage innovation as a tool to advance in today’s highly competitive and connected global market.” Over three days, leaders from around the world will come together to shape the future of road transport and trade. Centred around innovation, the programme will address logistics, technology and the rapidly revolving industry. With innovative and interactive sessions, participants will be able to network and exchange ideas and best practices.
Nabil bin Salim Al Bimani, Group Chief Ports and Free-zones at ASYAD and Member of the IRU World Congress Organising Committee said, “As Oman’s flagship logistics group, this event will further support our efforts to lead the implementation of the Sultanate’s Logistics Strategy 2040 and raise
Oman’s logistics’ profile on the global stage. Businesses and regulators are all facing increasing market disruption. This event brings renowned experts and high profile speakers together to examine the challenges and create solutions affecting the world’s transport and trade networks.” Situated at the centre of some of the most dynamic transport and trade corridors in the world, Oman is working on becoming one of the leading logistics players in the coming years. With development in transportation, trade and logistics, combined with the Sultanate’s 2020 and 2040 strategies in place, the country has come to the forefront as an ideal host for the 2018 IRU World Congress.
Boris Blanche, Managing Director at IRU said, “Transport, logistics and mobility are changing quickly, becoming increasingly digital, connected and automated. At the heart of ancient and modern trade corridors, with its comprehensive logistics strategy and ongoing reform of passenger transport, Oman is an excellent place for the industry, governments and the international community to come together this November. With ASYAD’s strong commitment, the IRU Congress will help determine the future of road transport, driving debate in particular on trade and innovation in the region and beyond.”