Asyad Group, the integrated logistics services provider of the Sultanate of Oman, celebrated on Wednesday the official launch of the Khazaen Dry Port set up within Khazaen Economic City in the Wilayat of Barka.
The inland port and the Economic City have been established in line with the strategy of Oman Investment Authority (OIA) to support the growth of a robust logistics sector in partnership with the private sector with the aim of driving national economic diversification and consolidating the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a global logistics hub.
The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Shaikh Issa bin Hamad al Azri, Governor of South Al Batinah, with the attendance of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Transport Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, among other dignitaries.
In remarks, the chief guest said the logistics sector represents one of the cornerstones of the Vision 2040 strategy in light of its potential to drive new investment inflows into the sector, accelerate trade flows and support the country’s sustainable growth. The launch of Khazaen Dry Port adds to a list of notable achievements witnessed during the Renewed Renaissance under way under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, he noted.
The inland port, the Governor said, will help boost commercial and economic activities in the wilayats adjacent to Khazaen Economic City, particularly in the transport, warehousing and customs clearance fields. Opportunities for youth-run businesses are promising as well, he stated.
The Transport Under-Secretary described the dry port as a new addition to the country’s logistics infrastructure. It also has the potential to enhance the nation’s competitiveness at the regional and global levels, and reflect positively on the country’s Ease of Doing Business Index. The Ministry, he said, is enhancing road connectivity between Khazaen Dry Port and Suwaiq Port, among other nearby governorates.
Colonel Said bin Khamis al Ghaithi, Director General of Customs at the Royal Oman Police, said the Customs authorities are keen to ensure that the dry port is well staffed and equipped to deliver integrated customs services via the Bayan system, aimed at minimizing delays in the speedy release of cargo. This is in line with the broad objectives of the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy 2040, he said.
Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Abri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Khazaen Dry Port and CEO of Asyad Ports and Harbours, said the official operation of the inland port will help strengthen the provision of integrated logistics services. Furthermore, given its strategic location, the Sultanate of Oman has the potential to access a global market of two billion consumers through its integrated logistics system comprising commercial ports, international airports, ports and inland ports. Khazaen represents a major transit points for goods from regional markets to reach global markets, he pointed out.
Established on an area of 100,000 sq metres as part of the first phase development, Khazaen Dry Port serves as a logistics hub linking the Sultanate of Oman and various regional countries. It offers facilities for storage and re-exports, sea and air freight, and logistics. A one-stop-shop offers the complete range of cargo clearance services.
In addition to its capacity to handle 70,000 containers annually, the dry port also features a waiting area for trucks, storage for bonded goods, unloading and storage of conventional and reefer containers and other commodities.
Dr Al Abri said that plans are afoot to expand to area of the dry port by another 150,000 square metres in the second phase to keep pace with demand growth over the next five years.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, the dry port authorities signed agreements with Naqel Express of Saudi Arabia to provide logistics services, and with Land & Sea Logistics Company of the Sultanate of Oman.
(With inputs from ONA)
