oman aims to broaden pakistan imports for expansion
Published on: May 30, 2024.
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The Sultanate of Oman is looking to expand its imports from Pakistan, particularly focusing on high-quality agricultural products. The Consul General of Oman, Eng. Sami Abdullah Al Khanjari, made this announcement during a meeting hosted by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday.
Oman relies on Pakistan for 60% of its rice imports due to the superior quality of Pakistani rice. Al Khanjari expressed a desire to increase this percentage and urged Karachi’s business community to consider exporting onions and other agricultural products to Oman. There is currently a shortage of onions in Oman, and Pakistan can help address this issue.
Al Khanjari also mentioned that Oman has been importing rice from Pakistan since 1982 and appreciates the country for providing the best quality rice. However, he wants to see more Pakistani products in Oman, including sugar, textiles, towels, and other high-quality items that are currently being sourced from countries like Turkey, China, India, and Australia.
The Omani delegation that attended the meeting included Vice Consul General Abdullah Jumah Al Harbi and officials from the Omani Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources. They expressed an interest in making annual visits to Pakistan to stay updated on potential export products and invited Pakistani business leaders to visit Oman to explore trade expansion opportunities.
President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh of KCCI highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Oman. He emphasized the need to reduce trade barriers, diversify products, and promote business collaboration to enhance trade volume and economic integration. Sheikh also suggested importing LNG and petroleum products from Oman at discounted rates to address Pakistan’s energy challenges and highlighted investment opportunities in Pakistan’s coastal ecosystem and Special Economic Zones.
Sheikh stressed the importance of training and deploying skilled workers to Oman, which would benefit both economies and strengthen bilateral ties. He emphasized the need for people-to-people contacts, trade delegations, and participation in each other’s trade fairs to boost bilateral trade.
Overall, Oman and Pakistan aim to enhance their trade relationship and explore new opportunities for cooperation. This collaboration has the potential to benefit both countries and deepen their economic ties.
(Source)
