Omani Consul General and Pakistani Businessmen Explore Opportunities to Boost Bilateral Trade and Expand Export Diversification
Published on: May 30, 2024.
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Oman’s Consul General, Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, has met with Pakistani businessmen to discuss diversifying exports from Pakistan to Oman and increasing bilateral trade. The meeting, held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), aimed to strengthen the already cordial relations between the two countries.
Khanjari, leading a delegation from Oman’s consulate, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s high-quality rice exports to Oman, which have been ongoing since 1982. However, he emphasized the need to expand the range of Pakistani products exported to Oman, including agricultural products like onions, lentils, mangoes, and potatoes, as well as goods like sugar, textiles, and towels.
To facilitate trade, Khanjari called on Karachi’s business community to identify and address any obstacles hindering smooth trade with Oman. He also suggested organizing more exhibitions in both countries to enhance business interaction and explore new trade opportunities.
Recognizing the trade potential, the Omani officials expressed their interest in visiting Pakistan regularly to identify potential products for export to Oman.
Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, the President of KCCI, highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman amounted to approximately $166 million during the first nine months of the current financial year. While this is a considerable amount, Sheikh called for further enhancement of trade, emphasizing the need to reduce trade barriers, diversify product ranges, simplify customs procedures, promote small and medium enterprises, and foster business collaboration.
Sheikh also noted that Pakistan could benefit from importing LNG and petroleum products from Oman at discounted rates or through deferred payments, which could help address Pakistan’s energy sector challenges and contribute to economic growth.
In conclusion, both Oman and Pakistan are keen to strengthen their economic ties and explore new trade opportunities. Enhancing trade between the two countries will require ongoing collaboration and the removal of barriers to support economic integration.
**Source:** [Arab News](https://www.arabnews.com/)
