Oman commerce agency stresses need to regulate transport industry

Chairman Al Kiyumi agreed that Omanis should have priority for transport work in the ports and industrial areas of Oman, but said the entire sector should be reorganised properly.

“We don’t disagree with the importance of criminalising ‘hidden trade’, but there must be regulatory rules put in place in order to limit hidden trade. Hidden trade should not be blamed on expats, rather on Omanis who make it easier for hidden trade operations to spread. We need to organise the sector for future work, by collecting accurate data and creating a regulatory mechanism,” he said.

Mohammed Al Rahbi, of the Mohammed Al Rahbi Company, recalled His Majesty the Sultan’s speech at a forum in 2013, where he addressed the issue of hidden trade hurting the Sultanate’s economy.

“Ever since that speech in 2013 until today, little has changed. It has been four years, and we, the business owners, are still blamed for the issue of hidden trade. We are not the problem — the law has not been enforced. If there is a criminalisation to this issue, like in Saudi Arabia, then we will see actual results. People are afraid of punishment and crime, and nothing else will deter them.”

The Chairman and transport bosses agreed to form a joint committee to study the issue.

“The reality of the situation indicates two main issues - the cash flow of transport companies, and finding job opportunities within the sector. The issue of the transport sector is vast, and these problems are not caused by any delay in government plans. However, the transport sector is a vast sector with many opportunities, that can be taken advantage of if organised and regulated in an official way,” Al Kiyumi added.

Enam Chowdhary, a Bangladeshi private transporter said, “It is not illegal trade but rather a convenience for people who need it desperately. I don’t mind if we have to register with the government for this. I will be happy to do that.”