Global Rice News

Oman Urges Pakistan to Expand Trade Relations

The Consul General of Oman, Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari, expressed dissatisfaction with the limited trade between Oman and Pakistan. Despite the potential for increased trade, he noted that there has been minimal exchange between the two countries. Currently, Pakistan exports rice, mangoes, and potatoes to Oman, but AlKhanjari questioned why other agricultural products such as onions, chillies, carrots, and lemons are not being exported. These items are in demand in Oman and are currently being imported from countries such as China, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

During a meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), AlKhanjari encouraged the business community to explore exporting more fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products to Oman to improve the current trade volume. He specifically praised Pakistani rice, calling it one of the best in the world, and suggested that its export should be further enhanced. Furthermore, he highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s textile and leather products, including towels and garments, as they are not being exported to Oman, despite their quality.

AlKhanjari also discussed investment opportunities in Oman, stating that the country has five ports that are highly regarded in the Gulf region. These ports have attracted investments from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India. However, he emphasized that Pakistan has not taken advantage of these opportunities, despite its proximity to Oman. He mentioned that a study is underway to introduce a unified visa scheme for all GCC countries, similar to the Schengen visa, which would facilitate travel for business purposes.

Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the Businessmen Group, joined the meeting remotely and highlighted the strong relationship between Pakistan and Oman. He suggested that Pakistani exporters should consider using the Salalah Port in Oman for transshipment, as an alternative to the current practice of using the Dubai Port. He also encouraged the Omani CG to share information about the facilities available at the Salalah Port with Pakistani importers and exporters.

President of KCCI, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, welcomed the Omani CG and acknowledged the long-standing ties between Pakistan and Oman. Sheikh emphasized that the current level of trade between the two countries is below its potential. He called for the reduction of trade barriers, diversification of products, simplification of customs procedures, and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises to boost trade. He also highlighted the opportunities for Omani investors in sectors such as energy, agriculture, livestock, information technology, and mines & minerals in Pakistan.

Sheikh emphasized the importance of people-to-people contact, trade delegations, and participation in exhibitions to improve bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties. He noted the potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Oman in sectors such as textile, halal products, oil & gas, banking, transportation, and infrastructure development. Sheikh commended the role of the Omani CG in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed support and cooperation for the common objective of enhancing trade and investment cooperation.

Source: Trade Chronicle