Tehran, Muscat after boosting cooperation in construction sector: TPO

Iran and Oman reviewed ways to expand cooperation in the construction industry during the “Iran Investment Opportunities in Oman” event held in Tehran on Saturday. Organized by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO) and the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, the meeting brought together trade officials from both countries, the head of Iran’s Trade Center in Oman, as well as a number of investors and construction industry stakeholders, Tasnim reported.

The deputy for International Business at the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran highlighted the strong trade relations between Iran and Oman, noting that Oman “has always been a business partner for Iran in the field of trade.” Amir Roshanbakhsh added that current trade ties with Oman involve both opportunities and challenges, and addressing them could help elevate bilateral commercial relations. He said Oman’s proximity to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has fueled interest in expanding its construction industry, stressing that Iran could play a role in Oman’s progress through “technical and engineering services in the construction sector” as well as supplying construction materials and goods. “Currently, infrastructure projects such as water and wastewater systems and stormwater collection are underway, and there is considerable potential for Iranian companies to cooperate in this field,” he said.

Roshanbakhsh emphasized that while Iran has significant capacity in producing construction materials, logistical limitations remain a challenge that could undermine its competitive advantage in Oman. He voiced the TPO’s readiness to hold discussions with Omani counterparts to help resolve these issues. The TPO official also referred to legal challenges faced by the private sector in collecting claims, suggesting that a joint task force or committee between the two countries to assess the credibility and reputation of companies could help address such problems. Roshanbakhsh concluded by declaring the organization’s readiness to establish a joint committee to overcome trade barriers and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Masoud Taherimehr, Iran’s first commercial attaché in Muscat and head of the Persian Gulf Office at the TPO, stressed the need “for Iranian companies to be present in assessing investment opportunities in Oman’s construction sector.” - Iran Daily