FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp announced its expansion in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, transitioning to a direct presence in the Sultanate of Oman.
In a press conference, Taarek Hinedi – FedEx Express Vice President Middle East and North Africa Operations and Nasser Humaid Al Naaimi – Oman Postal Express Chairman, announced the company’s growth plans in Oman and their vision to “elevate Oman as a global logistics powerhouse.”
FedEx Express in Oman
FedEx Express has been facilitating trade in Oman since 1993 by offering its services through their local service provider, Oman Postal Express. The recent strategic expansion provides customers with access to an extensive international coverage to and from more than 220 countries and territories. With it also comes a stronger customer care support system and a wider service portfolio, connecting businesses to new markets and customers.
Jack Muhs, regional president of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa said, “We see great potential as Oman continues to evolve into a key logistics powerhouse in the Middle East and beyond. With access to our unparalleled Middle East road network and the world’s largest air express network, FedEx Express connects Oman directly to the rest of the world.”
Furthering Oman’s Economic Diversification Efforts
This announcement by FedEx Express supports the country’s coordinated efforts and broader strategy to diversify the national economy. The logistics sector is a key contributor towards employment, investment and overall economic growth in the Sultanate, and a critical part of the nation’s future growth.
“One of the most important pillars for Oman Vision 2040 is logistics,” said Al Naaimi. “This will be achieved in a manner of ways such as using technology to ease and facilitate trade; develop human resources, that can handle logistics sector expansion; and more. There has also been a significant effort from the government to develop ‘soft’ infrastructure in Oman. The advanced ruling programme, for instance, is a prime example.”
Earlier this year, the Royal Oman Police (ROP), represented by the Directorate General of Customs, announced the introduction of a new advance rulings programme to facilitate international trade through the sultanate’s points of entry.
The programme is one of several initiatives planned to further empower the trade sector in Oman and allow businesses to obtain advance rulings to import and export before starting the actual importing and exporting process.
“I believe all these indicators makes us confident that Oman is on the right track,” affirms Al Naaimi.”
“We are closely following Oman Vision 2020 and Oman Vision 2040 with its focus on various sectors as we move away from the non-oil economy… and at the centerpiece of all that you have logistics and infrastructure,” said Hinedi. “And we are really excited to be in the middle of all that.”
