Global Rice News

Oman Expresses Dissatisfaction with Limited Trade with Pakistan

Consul General of Oman Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari expressed dissatisfaction with the very limited trade between Oman and Pakistan. Despite their close proximity, trade between the two countries has not been significant. Currently, Pakistan only exports rice, mangoes, and potatoes to Oman. However, Oman imports a variety of agricultural products such as onions, chillies, carrots, and lemons from other countries like China, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari highlighted the potential for Pakistan to export a wider range of agricultural products to Oman, emphasizing the need for increased trade volume.

During a meeting with Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari advised the business community in Karachi to explore the possibility of exporting more fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products to Oman. He praised the quality of Pakistani rice being exported to Oman and suggested further enhancement of rice exports. He also mentioned the potential for Pakistan’s textile and leather products to have success in Oman’s market.

Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari encouraged the business community to consider investment opportunities in Oman. Oman has five ports, including Salalah, Qalhat, Sohar, Duqm, and Sultan Qaboos, which attract substantial investments from countries like China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and India. He questioned why Pakistan has not made similar investments despite its closer proximity to Oman. Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari assured that visa issues are being addressed, and a study is underway to introduce a ‘One Visa’ facility for all GCC countries.

The Chairman of Businessmen Group, Zubair Motiwala, expressed Pakistan’s longstanding friendship with Oman and the importance of strengthening trade relations. He suggested considering the use of Salalah Port in Oman for transshipment purposes, as it offers excellent facilities for Pakistani exporters.

President of KCCI, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, emphasized the potential for increased trade between Pakistan and Oman. He highlighted the need to reduce trade barriers, diversify products, simplify customs procedures, and promote SMEs. Sheikh also mentioned the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as an opportunity for Omani investors to explore lucrative sectors in Pakistan such as energy, agriculture, livestock, and information technology.

Sheikh underscored the importance of people-to-people contact, trade delegations, and participation in exhibitions to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties. He identified various sectors, including textile, halal, oil & gas, banks, transportation, and infrastructure development, as areas for potential cooperation between Pakistan and Oman.

In conclusion, Pakistan and Oman have a strong foundation for trade and economic cooperation, but there is a need to enhance bilateral relations. Both countries have the potential to significantly expand trade and investment opportunities, and efforts should be made to realize this potential.

Source: Trade Chronicle