Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: Trade between Oman and Iran exceeded $1 billion by the end of October last year, according to Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Sultanate’s Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking on the sidelines of a trade event, ‘Iran Solo Exhibition,’ that showcased only Iranian products at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Al Sunaidy said the bilateral trade was expected to grow further this year.
“Bilateral trade between Oman and Iran exceeded $1 billion by the end of October last year. In 2015, it was nearly $560 million.
“We have seen the Iranian expo progressively bolstering the trading relationship between the two countries. A further growth in bilateral trade between the Sultanate and Iran is expected this year.”
Sunaidy also said the shipping line between the Port of Sohar and Bandar Abbas is now vibrant.
The third edition of the exhibition was inaugurated yesterday by Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy and Eng. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining and Commerce.
Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Minister of Commerce and Industry in Iran, added, “This expo, which is better than the last two editions, is an indicator of the growing trading relationship between the two countries. We hope that there will be a good opportunity for people to visit Iran.”
Participating traders said they were looking forward to improved trade relations with Oman.
Reza Hamdani, whose stall showcased edible products, said he was looking forward to better trade relations with Oman.
“Oman and Iran have good relations and we want our countries to exchange goods and have better trade ties. We have had some good deals in the past and I would like to see similar things in the future, too. It’s nice to be here in Oman, and although it’s just day one, we have had a good response from many Omanis who are fairly fond of our sweets.”
Another participant who dealt in carpets said there was a demand for Persian rugs in Oman. “Quite a few people came and asked me about the rugs. They liked the traditional patterns, too. We will hopefully have more trade between Oman and Iran in the future.”
The exhibition, which will run from January 23 to 27, features nearly 100 companies, covering diverse product segments ranging from handmade and machine-made products, home appliances, interior decoration and food products to medicinal, steel and metal, petrochemical products, power and industry-related equipment, construction materials and industrial machinery. To add further value to the event, the organisers have set up a facility for business-to-business meetings on January 24 to ensure that participating companies can to ensure maximum networking and derive promotion benefits.
Nader Abbas, general manager at the Oman expo, organiser of the event, said, “Such an event helps promote the high-quality products of Iran, paves the way for their expansion and increases their trade presence in identified markets in Oman. In turn, it will open up opportunities for SMEs, manufacturers and distributors who are all seeking to increase their business prospects and expand their businesses.”
“It is also an avenue to support government initiatives to boost trade and commerce and strengthen economic relations between Oman and Iran,” he said.
The Iran Country Solo Exhibition will remain open from 10:00 am to 1:00pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from January 23 to 26. Opening hours on January 27 will be from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The event is being supported by the Iranian Embassy and the Trade Promotion Organization
of Iran.
