Oman Explores Logistical Partnerships with Uzbekistan

Tashkent: Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, held a series of meetings and discussions with several government entities and businessmen in the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to Oman News Agency, these sessions focused on addressing logistical challenges and enhancing trade flows, alongside exploring joint investment opportunities in transport infrastructure and logistical services. These meetings took place during the official visit of the Sultanate of Oman's delegation, headed by the Undersecretary for Transport, to the Republic of Uzbekistan as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit aimed to develop fields of joint cooperation and enhance integration within the transport and logistics system, thereby supporting comprehensive economic development between the two countries and consolidating the Sultanate of Oman's position as a regional transit hub connecting Central Asian countries to global markets. The delegation participated in a roundtable discussion with Uzbekistani businessmen, during which they reviewed prominent challenges associated with the movement of goods through logistical corridors. They also discussed mechanisms for designing more efficient transit routes to facilitate the flow of commodities and enhance sustainable trade exchange between the two countries, achieving integration in supply chains and raising the efficiency of logistical services. Furthermore, the delegation held a meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, where they discussed ways to develop logistical corridors between the two nations and enhance the link between road and rail transport networks. They also explored joint investment opportunities in logistical infrastructure projects to facilitate the connection of Central Asian countries to Omani ports and open new horizons for transit trade. In the context of strengthening customs coord ination to accelerate the movement of goods through logistical outlets, the delegation met with the Advisor to the Chairman of the Uzbek Customs Committee. Both sides discussed ways to expedite customs clearance procedures, reduce shipment transit times, enhance the exchange of advance data between relevant authorities, and implement best customs practices, which would contribute to raising the efficiency of supply chains and improving the flow of goods through logistical gateways. Regarding the aviation sector, the delegation met with the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the meeting, they discussed enhancing air connectivity between the two countries and opening a direct flight route between Muscat and Tashkent to support passenger movement and air cargo. The delegation also held a meeting with the CEO of "Centrum Air," during which they discussed including Muscat within the airline's flight network and operating regular direct flights, in addition to developing commercial air cargo services via the Sultanate of Oman. Supporting digital transformation in the transport sector, the Ministry's delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in digital transformation, communications, and technical infrastructure, alongside digital solutions supporting the transport and logistics sector. This aims to contribute to the development of a smart and sustainable transport system that enhances operational efficiency and supports logistical integration between the two countries. The meetings were attended by Sayyida Wafa Jabor Al Busaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with several officials from both sides.