Oman Can Turn to a Hub for Iran’s Exports
IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK
A forum on reviewing trade and investment opportunities in Oman was held in Kerman with economic activists of Kerman Province in presence.
According to reports, the forum was focused on unique characteristics of Oman as becoming a hub for re-export of Iranian goods especially to the regional markets.
In the forum, Iran-Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mohsen Zarrabi said that Omanis have always sided with Iranian nation and government especially in the war and sanction time and this proper stance can be a good opportunity for trade and Iranian economic activists.
He went on to say that despite having good bilateral political relation, there was no good trade relation between both states till 2013 when Iran-Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce was launched and the trade volume was then only around $221 and Iran’s exports were around $146m.
He noted that but by providing necessary infrastructures, easing condition for visa issuance, launching direct shipping line and direct flight and easing condition for registering companies, the trade volume between both states has become six-folded and reached $1.161b in five years and Iran’s exports have exceeded $728m.
Zarrabi went on to say that the most important advantage of Oman comparing to other countries for economic activists is exports, re-exports and imports from this country, adding that every year goods worth $20b are exported to Oman and currently Iran’s share of total exports to Oman is around 3.6 percent, reiterating that due to diversity of Iranian goods and Omani’s interest to them, this share can increase to 10 percent.
He further said that the best way for entering into Oman markets is to attend specialized exhibitions in Oman and it would be a good opportunity for Iranian economic activists to display their products and compare them with their rivals.
He also warned Iranian activists not to be deceived by cheaters and middlemen and they should go to the joint chamber for getting correct information on Oman.
Zarrabi added that improving and easing banking exchanges is the other means for boosting exports to Oman.
He emphasized that launching direct flights between provinces of Oman and Iranian cities can boost tourism and economic relations between two states while Oman has prepared necessary infrastructures for presence of Iranian tourists.
Zarrabi admitted that direct access to some markets by Iranian economic activists is impossible because of improper political relations, but they can have access to them via Oman.
He stated that since there is no way for opening long-term L/Cs in Oman, traders lose the opportunities to deal with their Omani counterparts and they can solve this problem for opening long-term L/Cs by registering their companies in Oman.
Zarrabi reiterated that Oman has signed agreement for free trade with 16 countries and Iran can take advantage of it and export its goods by zeroing reducing custom tariffs.
He went on to say that modern technology and start-ups business are welcomed in Oman.
