TransOman Conference to unveil opportunities on Sultanate's free zones

They have since become specialised and offer a wide variety of services that attract an increasing number of investors from the GCC and the world.

Oman's Free Zones, namely, the Salalah Free Zones, the Sohar Special Economic Zone and the newly developed Duqm Free Trade Zone offer a mix of benefits ranging from industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, distribution, research and development, office facilities, retail outlets, and residential space for both upstream and downstream industries.

As the country's diversification strategy is now in full swing, the growth and development of these free zones is also making headway and creating a direct impact on the growth of the local economy. Amidst the global downturn, free zones in the Sultanate continue to thrive and enjoy the benefits of the country's political and economic stability and transparent regulations.

With an aim to build Oman as a logistics hub, Oman International Trade and Exhibition (OITE) organiser of TransOman Expo and Conference announced that the two day conference, which is set to be held on the 14th to 15th October, 2009 at the Golden Tulip Hotel Seeb in Muscat, will highlight a broad spectrum of opportunities in the free zone areas. It is aimed at creating greater awareness on how they can be best utilised to the maximum level.

The TransOman Expo which will be held from 13th to 15th October, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, will host a range of companies from the sea, air, land and rail sectors.

Warith Al Karusi, chairman of the Advisory Committee of TransOman and logistics manager of Petroleum Development Organisation (PDO), said, "Free Zones in Oman have grown in leaps and bounds. With all the development projects being implemented across all sectors, it is but fitting to take a look at the country's various free zone areas and evaluate their key incentives. The two-day conference will present an unparalleled platform for traders to learn more about the facilities and advantage points that these free zones have to offer."

The two day conference will have a special session that will tackle various key incentives and development projects of these free zones alongside topics on best practices and global free zone experience from international top-notch speakers.

TransOman Conference is supported by Oman Air Cargo (Official Airlines), Sohar Industrial Port Company SAOC, and Al Madina Logistics Services Co. as platinum sponsors; Falcon Air Services & Transport Co LLC, Port Services Corporation (SAOG), as Bronze and Silver sponsors, respectively.