JCtrans: Hello, Mr. Ebrahim Taher. Firstly, will you please make a brief introduction of TRANSOMAN 2011?
Mr. Ebrahim Taher: TransOman 2011 seeks to lift the logistics discipline in Oman and maximize its growth potential in the coming years. Organized by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, this premier event for the transport, shipping and logistics sector (TransOman) is set to take place from October 24 to 26 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. In its third year, the event will serve to highlight industry issues, discover the latest trends, connect and do business with various suppliers and service providers in the air, road, rail, shipping, customs, cargo and logistics businesses, connect Oman, the rest of the region and beyond.
Industry specific conferences on the country's premier transport and logistic sector will be held from 24th to 26th alongside the exhibition at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Seeb, Muscat. Being the only transport & logistics event in the Sultanate, the TransOman conference serves as an important platform for government, local and international transport, shipping and logistics professionals to discuss vital issues, exchange innovative ideas and practices and explore new business opportunities. The event will also host the second edition of the Oman Logistics Excellence Awards.
JCtrans: How does TRANSOMAN 2011 benefit the industry?
Mr. Ebrahim Taher: TransOman Exhibition 2011 is planned with an increased space and new suppliers of the most innovative solutions, services and infrastructure designed for the transport, shipping, aviation and logistics industry. The event will benefit the industry in the sense that it will highlight the industry's various issues, discover latest trends, connect and do business with various suppliers and service providers in the air, road, rail, shipping, customs, cargo and logistics businesses, connecting Oman, the rest of the region and beyond.
JCtrans: TransOman Conference 2010 made a great success last year. Then what innovations will TRANSOMAN 2011 present?
Mr. Ebrahim Taher: TransOman this year will hold three different conferences; each day will focus on different themes. A Conference on the country's premier logistics & supply chain under the theme of "Oman: Building a World Class Logistics & Supply Chain" will be held on October 24 at Golden Tulip Seeb. This conference attempts to allow various organizations to examine their current supply chain and logistics models in order to meet their client's demand, ensure growth and maximize the efficiency of road, air, sea and soon rail links as well. TransOman will also hold the First International Civil Aviation Conference on October 25 under the theme of "Oman: Gearing up as the next aviation hub in region". The Civil Aviation Conference will highlight the emerging opportunities across the sector and discuss the major challenges, issues and trends which will serve as a guide for both regulators and the sectors to position Oman as the next potential aviation hub in the region in the next 3-4 years. On October 26, the First Oman Ports & Shipping Conference will provide updates on the developments of Oman's maritime, ports and logistics sectors. This conference will present some of the many commercial opportunities available to regional and international based businesses and investors.
JCtrans: We know TRANSOMAN 2011 will be held in Oman. Then how does the current economic situation in Oman affect TRANSOMAN?
Mr. Ebrahim Taher: Oman is currently undertaking significant efforts and plans to turn the country into an economic and financial hub through boosting various sectors including Logistics & Supply Chain, Civil Aviation, Shipping and Ports. Of recent, the Omani government has invested large amounts to boost the civil aviation sector in the country. To achieve this goal, the expansion for new domestic airports are currently underway in a number of wilayats including Sohar, Ras Al Hadd, Adam and Duqm, as well as development process taking place at both Muscat and Salalah international airports. According to a recent report published by the Oman News Agency, up to a billion dollars has been committed to the development of Oman's new maritime ports and the expansion of existing gateways. Thanks to its strategic location, Oman today has some of the busiest ports in the whole region and it has invested up to a billion dollars in port operations. Many efforts are being undertaken by the Omani government to boost this sector and to emphasise the fundamental role played by the ports and shipping sector to further advance regional trade. All these developments will certainly have a positive affect on TransOman.
JCtrans: What are TRANSOMAN aims for the future?
Mr. Ebrahim Taher: Looking into the future, there seem to be massive future developments across the transport, shipping and logistics industry. This will definitely create increased international turnout and participation at TransOman event, and will further expand opportunities in the various sectors of logistics & supply chain, civil aviation, shipping and ports. With the increased participation and the massive developments that are emerging we are looking to hold three separate and focused events instead of one event for the industry which will be more beneficial for the participants and visitors alike. |
