8 hours ago
Meeting in North Al Batinah explores role of ports, maritime shipping in boosting exports
Sohar: The North Al Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday organised an extensive meeting on the role of ports and maritime shipping in promoting national exports.
In his speech, Eng. Said Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry's North Al Batinah branch, highlighted the importance of the maritime shipping sector in enhancing the access of national exports to global markets. He explained that the North Al Batinah Governorate is a promising strategic hub due to its distinguished logistical location, making it a key center for developing supply chains and supporting export movement.
He emphasised that the current meeting aims to shed light on the available opportunities in the sector, discuss the most prominent challenges, and explore possible solutions with the participation of various concerned parties, ensuring the development of an integrated shipping environment that supports the growth of the national economy.
The meeting included a discussion session on the role of Sohar Port and Freezone in promoting national exports and the efficiency of operations related to shipping, handling, and customs clearance. It also addressed operational and regulatory challenges in supply chains and presented proposed solutions to enhance integration between government entities and operators, as well as stimulating investment in the logistics sector through qualitative incentives that capitalize on the port's geographical and logistical advantages.
The meeting, attended by Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, representatives of government and private entities, handling companies, factory representatives, and shipping companies, featured a review of the status of Omani exports to global markets. It also presented key statistical indicators, challenges, and opportunities related to developing the logistics system and enhancing the efficiency of access to international markets.
