Muscat– Asyad Group and France-based CMA CGM Group have signed a framework agreement to develop, manage and operate a US$400mn multipurpose logistics terminal in Sohar, marking a major step in strengthening Oman’s position as a regional logistics and trade hub.

The agreement was signed during the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France and reflects the growing economic cooperation between the two countries.

The partnership establishes a long-term strategic collaboration between the two organisations, combining their expertise to enhance the competitiveness of Omani ports, improve operational efficiency and expand integrated logistics services for regional and international customers.

The new terminal will provide advanced logistics and supply chain solutions while reinforcing regional and international trade corridors. It is also expected to increase cargo handling capacity and strengthen Oman’s connectivity with global shipping networks and key international markets.

Eng. Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group CEO, Asyad Group, said the partnership reflects the group’s strategy of building alliances with leading global companies to enhance the commercial attractiveness of Omani ports and maximise the value of national logistics assets. “This cooperation will open new horizons for attracting trade flows and quality investments to ports, free zones and economic zones, while strengthening Oman’s position in global supply chains in line with the Sultanate’s ambition to become a leading international trade and logistics hub,” Al Hatmi said.

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO, CMA CGM Group, said the agreement marked an important step in expanding the group’s logistics and port operations in the Gulf. “By developing a new logistics terminal at Sohar, we will strengthen regional connectivity while securing reliable inland access to key trade corridors. It will ensure greater resilience and efficiency for our customers’ supply chains and reflects our confidence in Oman’s long-term vision as a strategic gateway connecting the Gulf to global markets,” Saadé said.

Asyad Group operates an integrated logistics network spanning more than 76 cities across 24 countries. Its operations include a fleet of more than 100 vessels serving over 90 destinations and connecting more than 200 commercial ports worldwide. The group also manages ports, free zones, economic zones and major logistics infrastructure projects as part of its strategy to position Oman as a global logistics gateway linking East and West.

CMA CGM is one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics companies, with operations in 177 countries and a workforce of 160,000. The group serves more than 420 ports worldwide through a fleet of over 700 vessels and transported more than 24mn twenty-foot equivalent containers (TEUs) in 2025. It also operates 65 port terminals globally, while its logistics subsidiary CEVA Logistics manages 1,000 warehouses and handled 15mn shipments last year. Its air cargo division operates under the CMA CGM AIR CARGO and Air Belgium brands.