Muscat -(ASIA TODAY)- In association with the Ministry of Transport & Communications, the GCC Supply Chain & Logistics Conference, organized by Al Nimr Expo and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Oman Logistics & Supply Chain Association (under formation) and the Chartered Institute for Logistics & Transport, was announced during the press conference held at the Ministry of Transport & Communications Office.
The event which will take place from 15-16 April, 2013 at the Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel, Muscat, is held under the theme “Oman’s Strategic Role as GCC Gateway and Indian Ocean Rim Hub”. The 2-day conference will bring together top government officials from Oman and overseas, along with more than 30 regional and global industry leaders who will share their views on various topical issues and opportunities for the supply chain and logistics sector. Through interactive panel discussion, leading industry experts will also tap the important role Oman will play in the GCC and the Arab region through its mega infrastructure projects - which is seen to transform Oman as the next potential regional hub and ideal gateway for global businesses.
Commenting on the sideline of the press conference, H.E. Said bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Ports & Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport & Communications, said “The Government’s infrastructure prioritization strategy will provide the country a solid platform towards economic diversification and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. The strategic infrastructure developments in multimodal transport will positively impact Oman in attracting more business and foreign investments, stimulate growth of local businesses, and create job opportunities for locals. We are happy to be associated with this event and are confident that this conference will make a substantial contribution towards this objective.
Oman’s Major Ports Sponsoring the Conference
The GCC Supply Chain & Logistics Conference 2013 is sponsored by Port of Salalah, Port of Sohar, Port of Duqm and Port Services Corporation – Port Sultan Qaboos
Peter Ford, CEO of Port of Salalah said, "We are happy to be part of this year’s inaugural GCC Supply Chain and Logistics Conference being held in Muscat. We are thrilled to bring a roster of great international speakers to the table such as Robert Kaplan, the Chief Geopolitical Analyst for Stratfor, and author of 14 books on foreign affairs and travel which have been translated into many languages. He has also authored the book “Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power”, which is about the Indian Ocean region and the future of energy supplies and maritime trade routes in the 21st century. The book includes a chapter on Oman and its role at the Indian Ocean Rim. Kaplan was recently chosen by “Foreign Policy Magazine” as among the world’s “Top 100 Global Thinkers.”
Andre Toet, CEO of Port Sohar added, “Joining Mr. Kaplan as a speaker, are Mr. Roger Agnelli, former CEO of Vale and Dr. John Gattorna, a world’s leading supply chain thought leader. Under Mr. Agnelli's leadership, Vale grew to become Brazil’s largest exporter and the second largest diversified mining company in the world. Dr. John Gattorna now spends his time advising leading global enterprises about the design and operation of their companies’ supply chains. He knows the Middle East region well, having advised many local companies, including Petroleum Development Oman on its 4PL model.
“As the latest large commercial ports development in the row, the invitation to meet up with the logistic stakeholders of Oman and to be updated on the latest point of views explained by some international key players, is much appreciated and will benefit our development plans for the future” Peter Broers, CEO of the Port of Duqm explains.
Supporters
H.E. Stefan van Wersch, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, said “As Netherlands Embassy, we are proud to partner in this top notch and highly topical conference. In the 17th century, the then Ruler of Oman told a Dutch trade delegation: “our port is your port”. Nowadays we have a booming joint venture in the port of Sohar. Omani-Dutch logistical cooperation dates back centuries.
Official Launching of ‘Expedition Oman”
The film on the shipwreck of the Amstelveen, a special documentary film about the real life tale of the shipwreck of the Dutch East India ship ‘Amstelveen’ at Ras Madrakah, the survival trek of 30 castaways, and their encounters with Omanis 250 years ago, that we will première during the Conference will highlight this cooperation in the past and in the coming years.” In addition to the film launching, H.E. Melanie Schultz van Haegen, Minister of Infrastructure and Environment, Kingdom of the Netherlands, also a key speaker in the conference will lead the high-level delegation from Netherlands. A bilateral roundtable meeting will be conducted with their Omani counterpart on transport & logistics, which will take place on 15-16 April, 2013, hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Muscat.
“The Oman government’s strategic positioning of its logistics & supply chain will create a natural and obvious ‘Gateway to the GCC’ and beyond the region. This will result in attracting Foreign Direct Investment and in turn stimulate SMEs development, growth in supply chain & logistics sector and most importantly job creation. It is now a very interesting time for logistics & supply chain professionals and business seeking opportunities in this particular sector” added, Warith Al Kharusi, Chairman of the Oman Logistics & Supply Chain Association.
“This international event will also provide participating companies and delegates the opportunity to explore and identify key investment opportunities in Oman’s world-class ports, domestic & international airports and free zones. Apart from the 2-day conference, a dedicated display area will be held alongside the event - which will provide sponsors an ideal platform to showcase their products and services to over 300 local, regional and international industry professionals”, said, Salim Al Hashmi, CEO of Al Nimr Expo
Sherwin Sevillena, Conference Director of Al Nimr Expo added that the sessions would cover various important subjects. The topics for the conference are as follows: Oman – The Logistics Gateway from the Indian Ocean into the GCC; Supply Chain with Emphasis on SME Development & Job Creation; The Game Changer – Oman & GCC Railway Project; The Future of Airline Industry & Supply Chain Logistics; Strategies & Technologies to Support Trade Facilitation.
For further information about the GCC Supply Chain & Logistics Conference, interested parties may visit the event website www.gccscl.com or may contact the organizers at +968 247 00656 or email: sherwin@alnimrexpo.com