Pakistan and Oman should cooperate in diverse sectors to enhance the bilateral economic and trade relations, said Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Redha bin Juma Al Saleh.
At a webinar organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Thursday, he stressed the need for collaboration in the fields of chemicals, plastics, metals, minerals and electric equipment at the economic zones of Oman. He also discussed the availability of long-term Omani visa for Pakistan investors and tax incentives for them.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman Ahsan Wagan appreciated the uptrend in exports of Pakistan despite the trouble caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Gwadar Port and Salalah Port can be used to create efficient communication channels between the two countries because both ports possess excellent infrastructure and other facilities,” he said.
Highlighting the potential of meat exports, he underlined the need for creating linkages between Pakistani exporters and Al Bashayer Meat Company of Oman.
Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan Sheikh Mohammed Omer Ahmed Al Marhoon discussed the trade opportunities between the two nations through Gwadar and Salalah ports and market access for Pakistan to Oman, the Middle East, African nations and the Central Asian Republics.
FPCCI Vice President Hanif Lakhany highlighted that massive potential existed for both countries to collaborate in the fields of agriculture, textile and food. He was of the view that frequent interactions, exchange of trade delegations and trade exhibitions were a must to deepen relations.
Lakhany added that the Pakistani diaspora was making valuable contribution to the development of Oman and stressed the need for enhancing employment opportunities for the local workers in banking, healthcare, education, petroleum and food sectors of the Gulf nation.
“Pakistan and Oman are strategic allies and friendly neighbours,” said FPCCI Convener for International Forums Amjad Rafi. “Both countries have always enjoyed warm and cordial relations.”
He outlined the scope of bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture, rice, seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, cotton yarn, construction and petrochemicals. Rafi invited Omani businessmen to pour investment into CPEC-related Special Economic Zones.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sustainable Development Policy Institute Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri said that deepening of Pakistan-Oman economic relations, especially through Gwadar and Salalah ports, could turn out to be a low hanging fruit under CPEC.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2021.
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