MUSCAT: Increased investments and a targeted approach to joining up Oman’s logistics chain will boost the sultanate’s capacity to move its domestic and export cargoes, as well as strengthen its credentials as a major freight trans-shipment hub.
Oman’s newly released blueprint for the logistics industry, the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040, outlines plans to improve the country’s soft infrastructure – in particular the regulatory environment, support mechanisms and institutions – in addition to maintaining the country’s commitment to investment in hard infrastructure like roads, rail lines and ports.
Comparative advantage
Key to the strategy is Oman’s location at the head of the Indian Ocean. In addition to sharing land borders with other major economies in the region, which allows it to serve as a gateway to the GCC region, Oman is also well placed to capitalise on anticipated growth in Iran and act as a redistribution point for east and central Africa.
Thanks to investment in transport infrastructure, the deepwater ports at Salalah, Sohar and Duqm and their accompanying free zones are well positioned to serve these markets. Recent investments in aviation links should also facilitate trade, with the new Salalah Airport now operational and the revamped Muscat International Airport scheduled to open next year.
