Latest news with #AbdullahbinAlialBusaidi
Observer
09-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
National Port Community System to advance Oman's logistics infrastructure
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, MAY 9 Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has named the partnership of Kale Logistics Solutions, an Indian-based cargo technology specialist and its local associate Novel Muscat, as the winner of its contract to develop a National Port Community System (NPCS) for the Sultanate of Oman. A formal agreement to this effect was signed during Oman Logistics Day celebrated in the Sultanate of Oman last month. The NPCS will serve as a unified digital platform, streamlining and integrating operations across Oman's ports, airports, land ports and free zones. The platform has been described as a step in advancing the nation's logistics infrastructure. By enabling seamless coordination across all modes of transport, the NPCS is set to enhance international trade and strengthen Oman's position as a regional logistics hub. Eng Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of the Oman Logistics Center at MoTCIT, emphasised that the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040 is anchored in four strategic pillars driving Oman's transformation into a global logistics hub. The first, Market Development, focuses on expanding Oman's presence across land, sea and air transport markets through targeted projects and initiatives; The second, Trade Facilitation, aims to revolutionise cargo processing and streamline logistics chains across all entry points; The third, Employment and Omanisation, supports workforce development through regulation, training and increased local participation in the logistics sector; and the fourth, Logistics Technologies, promotes the adoption of advanced digital solutions to enhance competitiveness and efficiency in regional markets. Vineet Malhotra, Co-Founder and Director of Kale Logistics Solutions, commented: 'This is an honour for Kale and we are keen to acknowledge the foresight demonstrated by the Ministry in deciding to invest in the National Port Community System. The NPCS in Oman will be a transformative step in our journey to develop the next generation of efficient, sustainable and resilient cargo solutions.' 'Through the NPCS, Oman is poised to enhance its Logistics Performance Index rankings, strengthen trade facilitation and create new employment opportunities, contributing to the nation's economic growth. At Kale, our vision is to work with our partners to develop the next generation of efficient, sustainable and resilient cargo solutions — and the NPCS in Oman will be a transformative step in that journey.' Phase I of the NPCS will introduce the platform to Oman's ports, then subsequently expanding its operational capacities to include all modes of Omani cargo transport. Mumbai-headquartered Kale's flagship product is the Cargo Community Platform, which brings all stakeholders of the cargo value-chain onto a single platform, eliminating redundancies and bringing seamless communication to the erstwhile disjointed systems thereby promoting sustainability, cargo security and real-time data to the key stakeholders.
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 100 million worth pacts to boost logistics
MUSCAT, APRIL 30 Oman marked Logistics Day 2025 with the signing of eighteen major investment agreements exceeding RO 100 million in total value. The event, held at Al Bustan Palace Hotel under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, highlighted the Sultanate's strategic focus on the logistics sector under the theme 'Logistics Technologies and Investment.' During the ceremony, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of Oman Logistics Center at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, emphasized the critical role of the logistics sector in supporting and diversifying the national economy. He stated that the logistics sector is a vast and integrated system encompassing road networks, ports, land border crossings, airports, logistics zones, transport activities, and storage infrastructure. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic and service-related activities across the nation. He further noted that the ministry aims for logistics to become the second-largest contributor to the national GDP, positioning it as a key pillar in achieving Oman Vision 2040. The sector contributed approximately RO 2.25 billion to the GDP in 2024, representing 5.9 per cent of the total. Investments in the logistics sector reached around RO 2.3 billion in 2024, with forecasts indicating a projected contribution of RO 36 billion by 2040. Eng Al Busaidi outlined the four main pillars of the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040: Market Development, Trade Facilitation, Employment and Omanisation, and Logistics Technology. The Market Development pillar focuses on achieving targeted shares in land, sea, and air transport markets. The Trade Facilitation pillar aims to revolutionize customs and shipping procedures across all entry points and improve supply chain efficiency. The Employment and Omanisation pillar centers on regulatory reforms, training programs, and localization of jobs. The Logistics Technology pillar seeks to encourage companies to adopt advanced technologies to increase competitiveness and align with regional market demands. Among the notable investment deals signed were infrastructure developments at Sohar Port, including the establishment of a dedicated LNG jetty by Six Construct LLC Oman Branch and dredging operations led by Boskalis International Oman Branch. WSP Global – Oman branch will provide project management and site supervision for the LNG bunkering terminal. Muscat International Airport's logistics gateway also attracted significant foreign investment. Rakesh Pandey Gold LLC will develop a world-class gold refinery, while Tharwat Al Khaleej International will establish an innovation-driven drone research and training center. Additional agreements cover bonded warehouse development, advanced manufacturing, and the operation of the airport hotel for twelve years by Zahara Airport Services LLC. In Suhar, Lonestar Alpha Laboratories and Al Alami Laboratories will expand lab capacity at the logistics hub to enhance food and product safety services. Meanwhile, Al Madina Logistics and Global Integrated Equipment Company will invest in a modern truck fleet in Duqm to serve the energy sector, specifically for PDO, with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and safety. Other agreements included a new integrated public transport station in Liwa, North Al Batinah, a digital logistics platform (Darbi) to support truck drivers, and a ship refueling service at Sultan Qaboos Port. Financing partnerships with Oman's Development Bank and SME-focused initiatives were also launched to bolster emerging logistics ventures. These investments underscore Oman's commitment to building a world-class logistics ecosystem. By aligning infrastructure development with advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the Sultanate is positioning itself as a competitive player in regional and global supply chains.
