Oman minister suggests cooperation in tourism

Invites Pakistan businessmen to explore trade, investment avenues

LAHORE: Oman Minister for Tourism Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi has emphasised that private sectors of Oman and Pakistan could play a vital role in tapping the huge economic potential in various sectors of both countries.

Speaking to business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday, the Omani minister stressed the need for chambers of commerce of both sides to establish robust contacts and ensure timely dissemination of trade-related information.

The tourism industry of Oman - a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - widened rapidly on the back of massive tourist attractions which included beaches, desert safari, caving, hiking, historic and cultural locations, forts, world heritage sites, cultural festivals, sporting events and adventures, he pointed out. The minister suggested that Oman and Pakistan could work together in the field of tourism and invited an LCCI delegation to Oman for exploring trade and investment avenues.

“Oman is one of the few countries which has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States,” he stated. “It can be beneficial for Pakistani business community as well.” He pointed out that Oman had road links with Africa, Yemen and Arab countries, hence, it was a hub of economic activities.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Shahzad Nasir and Vice President Faheemur Rehman Saigal stressed that the tourism industry of Pakistan was growing because of peaceful environment across the country.

“Foreign tourists are feeling safe while visiting Pakistan,” they said, according to a statement.

Moreover, they invited investment from Omani counterparts in the tourism industry of Pakistan, adding that Oman had a rich experience in oil exploration, therefore, Omani companies could establish joint ventures in oil exploration in Pakistan.



Moreover, Pakistan could provide manpower in sectors like education, health, engineering, construction and telecommunications.

Former Omani ambassador Abdullah bin Zaher bin Saif Al Hussaini said he wanted to see more Pakistani businessmen in Oman as the people of Oman respected their Pakistani brothers a lot.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2018.

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