Salalah Engineering Forum Underscores Innovative Solutions for Logistics Sector
Salalah, 1 Sep (ONA) --- The 4th edition of Salalah Engineering Forum, which concluded today, recommended the establishment of an integrated national platform to monitor the performance of engineering and logistics sectors.
Organized by Oman Society of Engineers in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the two-day conference brought together experts, engineers and specialists in engineering, logistics and supply chains.
The forum also recommended the establishment of a unified digital platform that links projects to competencies and supply chains through accurate data to enhance efficiency and diminish bottlenecks.
The forum called for launching a national engineering empowerment programme for Omani youth, in addition to adopting value engineering as a mandatory standard in major projects to ensure optimal value for money and cut down the rate of change orders.
The conference also recommended investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, cut costs and integrate digital risk management into supply chains—notably by using AI and the Internet of Things technologies to predict risks and mitigate the effects of crises.
The forum underlined the significance of developing a roadmap for green aviation and sustainable transport. The roadmap is envisaged to cover sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen, the operation of solar-powered airports and ports, the adoption of supporting legislation and the acceleration of renewable energy projects that are integrated into the sectors of transport and logistics.
The forum's recommendations highlighted the importance of expanding the connectivity of regional logistics with specific markets—including China, India, East Africa, Korea, the United States and Yemen—through multimodal shipping solutions.
It also highlighted the establishment of a National Council for Sustainable Engineering and Logistics that comprises public and private sectors and universities. This council is scheduled to guide innovation, develop skills and formulate policies that support the development of the sector.
The forum's sessions focused on boosting institutional integration and governance, empowering national talents, enhancing sustainability of renewable energy and improving the management of risks and digital transformation.
The forum was aimed to highlight the vital role of the logistics sector as a key driver in diversifying the national economy, in addition to enhancing integration between “engineering and innovation” with “logistics services” with the objective of raising the efficiency of supply chains, cutting down costs and upgrading the Sultanate of Oman's competitiveness regionally and globally.
--- Ends/Bishara/AG
