2nd edition of TransOman Conference begins tomorrow
MUSCAT -- The 2nd edition of TransOman Conference is set to begin from tomorrow at the Golden Tulip Hotel under the auspices of Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy, Undersecretary of Ports & Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport & Communications. "TransOman, which focuses on Oman's transport, shipping and logistics future, is a gateway to the Sultanate's fast growing logistics market, industry and infrastructure", said Warith Al Kharusi, Chairman, Oman Logistics & Supply Chain Association, Speaking at a TransOman roundtable conference, Warith described the logistics as the key growth area of Oman's economy.
The primary goal of TransOman is to provide a comprehensive event that can lift the profile of the transport, shipping and logistics sectors in the Sultanate whilst promoting Oman as a major global logistics hub, Warith added. The event will start at 10 am, while the inauguration will be at 5 pm and will remain open till 8 pm. Similarly on the second, the event will run from 10am to 1 pm and 5pm to 8 pm. The Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA), publishers of the Observer and its sister Arabic daily Oman, is media sponsor of COMEX-2009.
Sadiq Ahmed Khan, Director for Sales & Marketing, Oman International Trade & Exhibition (OITE), the event's organiser, said he was grateful to the Ministry of Transport and Communications for extending all the support needed to organise TransOman 2010. The ministry's backing in many respects has helped raised the profile of TransOman conference. Especially designed for the transport, shipping, aviation and logistics industry, TransOman is a good avenue to know about the latest solutions and trends and consultancy and service providers in the air, road, rail, shipping, customs, cargo and logistics businesses.
With over RO 665 million ($1.72 billion) worth of new projects in the Sultanate's road, port expansion and new airports, the logistics sector is poised for major growth. Ibrahim Taher, Project Manager, OITE, said "Following the unprecedented number of delegates at TransOman 2009 which explored various transportation innovations and challenges, the TransOman 2010 Conference will shift the conference's focus toward building Oman's transport, shipping and logistics future." There will be around 240 delegates and 30 speakers, 14 presentations and several panel discussions in conference, which will be largely interactive.
Sadiq said TransOman Expo & Conference 2010 is already established as the country's premier transport and logistics event. With the vision of transforming Oman as the next world-class logistics hub in the region, TransOman 2010 will host the 1st Oman Logistics Excellence Awards with the objective to honour and recognise outstanding logistics companies and professionals for significant and innovative contributions towards logistics in the Sultanate.
The award categories include logistics innovator of the year; technology leader of the year; best local brand in logistics; leading company in people development; logistics leader in road safety; logistician of the year award; leading woman in transport and logistics award; best young emerging logistician award; and professional driver of the year award. TransOman 2010 assumes special importance because it includes new and innovative features building on the strengths of 2009's event. Available floor space in the exhibition at the Oman International Exhibition Centre is set to increase by more than 20 per cent with new sections for complementary industries such as oil and gas, heavy machinery, material handling and information technology.
The TransOman expo and conference will have the presence and participation of many leading personalities, including Jan H Meijer, CEO, Port of Sohar, Peter Ford, CEO, Port of Salalah, George Bellew, CEO, Oman Airports Management Company, Saud bin Ahmed al Nahari, CEO, Port Services Corporation, M J Park, CEO, Oman Drydock Company, Douglas Kent, Chairman, European Supply Chain Council, and Dr. John Gattorna, adviser and author, among others.
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
