Meeting
in North Al Batinah Explores Role of Ports, Maritime Shipping in Boosting
Exports

Sohar,
19 Aug (ONA) — The North Al Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and
Industry today organized 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
emphasized 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.

—Ends/AG