MUSCAT: June 08, 2016. The Oman government is to set up the Oman Global Logistics Group, a holding company to consolidate all its investments in the country’s ports, Freezones, rail, maritime and trucking sectors.

According to minister of Transport and Communications Ahmed bin Mohammed Salem al-Futaisi, the aim of the new company is to create major growth opportunities in the logistics sector, increase its contribution to the country’s GDP, and maximize the government’s ROI.

Al-Futaisi said his department is currently working on setting-up a similar holding company for Oman Air, the country’s airports and its air navigation services.

The government said the Oman Global Logistics Group will build on the country’s “massive infrastructure investments” in specialized industrial zones and deep-water ports by encouraging private-public partnerships  through joint investments and innovation.

One example is the recently announced MoU between Menzies Aviation and Oman Air to set up a joint venture for ground handling services at Muscat, Salalah, Duqm, Sohar and Ras Al Hadd airports.

Oman Air’s CEO Paul Gregorowitsch commented: “Our partnership will enable us to access new technology, improve training and achieve the highest standards with regard to ground handling operations.”

Menzies Aviation managing director Forsyth Black added: “There is a great tradition of co-operation between British and Omani partners; we hope to add this new joint venture to that list.”