Tehran, Muscat Can Enhance Ties via Cooperation in Mining, Fisheries & Tourism

The ways for boosting trade between Iran and Oman were discussed and reviewed during a webinar which was held by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture (ICCIMA) in collaboration with the Iran-Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce. Addressing the webinar, Head of the Iran-Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce Mohsen Zarrabi said that Iran and Oman can enhance their trade relation by focusing on cooperation in fishery, mining, and tourism sectors regarding the Oman 5-Year Development Plan. He added that he believes the ground for growth in the bilateral relation and investment of Iranians in Oman is ready. He added that fishery, mining, and tourism are the sectors that both countries can engage in cooperation. Zarrabi then elaborated the details and trade and investment capacities in Oman and said due to economic security and stability in Oman, and its favorable political relation with Iran and other countries has turned this Arab country into a strategic partner for Iran.

He also called for developing the infrastructures for the connection of these two countries which has started in 20015 based on the plans of the joint chamber. Zarrabi noted that Oman has eased the visa process for Iranians as Iranian nationals do not need visas for staying less than 14 days and for a longer stay, they can get visas upon their arrival at airports. He also said Oman has allocated to ports of Suwayq and Sultan Qaboos for Iranian ships and goods and Iranians can register their companies in the free zones and even in the mainland as shareholders. He expressed hope with the new facilities provided by Oman, Iran’s share of this country’s total imports would increase up to 10%.

Zarrabi also said that several unnecessary directives and regulations have hindered Iranians from having a strong presence in the target markets, adding that these overnight regulations have harmed the reputation of Iranian tradesmen.

Meanwhile Head of International Affairs of ICCIMA Mr. Mohammad Reza Karbasi, for his part, said that Oman is one of Iran’s major trade partners and the trade volume of these two countries has not been affected under the sanctions or the COVID-19 pandemic and it has even enhanced. He added that fortunately, the approaches of both governments regarding boosting cooperation have always been positive. He then pointed to four properties of Oman for Iran. Karbasi also pointed to the direct flights between Iran and Oman, saying that fortunately, there are several direct flights from different cities of Iran like from Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and Kish to Oman, and this has helped the level of ties between the two countries to increase considerably. He also said easing the visa issuance for Iranians has been another positive development in the relation of both countries which will have an effective role in enhancing the trade relations between Tehran and Muscat. - Iran News Daily