MoTC supports the GCC Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2013

The event held under the theme "Oman's Strategic Role as GCC Gateway and Indian Ocean Rim Hub" is organized in association with the Ministry of Transport & Communication, Sultanate of Oman and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Muscat, Oman Logistics & Supply Chain Association and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport.

Commenting on the event, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications said, "For our Ministry this conference is coming at the right time, the development of high quality logistics in the Sultanate is a priority for us in order to also maximize the benefits of the planned Omani Rail way system. The other government investments in ports, airports and highways, together with the railway will serve as the backbone for the logistics system which will further strengthen Oman's position as gateway from the Indian Ocean to the GCC."

According to the organizers, Top government officials from Oman and overseas will grace the event, which will include more than 30 regional and global industry leaders who will share their views and highlight the important role of Oman in the GCC and the Arab region, the Sultanate's vision through its mega infrastructure projects which is currently in the pipeline and is seen to transform Oman as the next potential regional hub and ideal gateway for global businesses, as well as various topical issues that affects the supply chain and logistics sector. 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.

" The Oman's government strategic positioning of its' Logistics & Supply Chain will create a natural and obvious Gateway to the GCC and beyond the region and such will result to be very attractive to FDI ,this will in turn stimulate SMEs development, growth of 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 sector," added, Warith Al Kharusi, Chairman of the Oman Logistics & Supply Chain Association.

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. The film on the shipwreck of the Amstelveen, that we will première during the Conference, will highlight this cooperation, past and present."

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 for the benefit of all. such as; Robert Kaplan, a best-selling author, an American journalist and currently a National Correspondent for The Atlantic Magazine. His writings have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New Republic, The National Interest, Foreign Affairs and The Wall Street Journal Publications. He is also the Writer of 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 include 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 companies about the design and operation of their enterprise supply chains. He knows the Middle East region well, having advised Petroleum Development Oman on its 4PL model including some local companies.

"As the newest large commercial port development in the row, the invitation, for this event to meet with the logistic stakeholders of Oman and the region 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.

Furthermore, Sherwin Sevillena, Conference Director of Al Nimr Expo also added that, 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."