Iranian
President Meets Omani, Iranian Business People
Muscat,
28 May (ONA) —— President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, met today at Al Alam Palace in Muscat with a number of Omani and Iranian
business people to discuss means of enhancing trade and investment relations
between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This
meeting comes as part of the Iranian President’s official visit to Oman.
President
Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of linking economic corridors and ports in
both countries to develop economic, trade, and investment relations, aiming to
increase trade volume to $30 billion over the next three years.
He
affirmed that his country is ready to cooperate with Oman in various economic,
scientific, and cultural fields, stressing the importance of exchanging views
and expertise to strengthen economic ties and engage in joint investment
projects across multiple sectors. He also highlighted both sides’ efforts to
facilitate financial transfers between them. Additionally, he affirmed the
Islamic Republic of Iran’s commitment to expanding and enhancing security and
stability in the region and the world while extending support to all Muslims.
On
his turn, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and
Investment Promotion, explained that under the wise leadership of His Majesty
the Sultan, Oman is advancing efforts to boost investments and diversify
economic sectors. He expressed hope that the trade delegation would explore
investment opportunities in various fields, particularly renewable energy,
industry, tourism, mining, logistics, food security, medical and food
industries, information technology, and real estate development.
He
noted that trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with last
year alone seeing an increase of over 50%. Iranian investments have also
expanded considerably, with the number of Iranian companies in Oman rising by
70% across various sectors. Among these developments, an Iranian
biopharmaceutical research and development company has opened a factory in
Oman, along with a petrochemical manufacturing plant and other projects
producing industrial salt, fertilizers, and buses. He also pointed out that the
Sarooj Complex is one of Oman’s significant investments in Iran.
For
his part, Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), stated that since its
establishment, the OCCI has worked to solidify and develop trade relations
through various initiatives, including the formation of the Omani-Iranian Joint
Business Council. This council aims to activate trade exchanges, facilitate
bilateral business meetings, strengthen connections between business leaders in
both countries, address challenges faced by traders and investors, and expand
partnerships in strategic sectors.
He
affirmed that the esteemed patronage of this meeting reflects direct support
for the private sector and sends a clear message about its vital role in
building strong and sustainable economic relations between Oman and Iran. This,
he said, motivates the Chamber’s officials to intensify efforts to enhance
trade opportunities, expand bilateral investments, and open new horizons in
promising sectors such as industry, food security, maritime transport,
renewable energy, and logistics.
He
reiterated the OCCI’s commitment to providing all means to strengthen
partnerships between Omani and Iranian private sectors, increase trade volumes,
and encourage mutual investments in line with the economic visions of both
countries.
Meanwhile,
Samad Hassanzadeh, President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and
Agriculture, stressed the importance of enhancing economic, trade, and
investment relations by outlining a roadmap for their development and holding
regular meetings. He urged business leaders to leverage the preferential trade
agreement signed between Oman and Iran to elevate these relations.
Mohammed
Abdulhussein Baqer, Omani Co-Chair of the Omani-Iranian Joint Business Council,
stated that the Council is implementing several strategic initiatives to boost
trade and investment growth between the two countries and remove obstacles to
trade. He noted that bilateral trade reached over $2 billion in 2024.
Among
these initiatives are efforts to establish permanent sea and air shipping
routes, set up an exchange company to facilitate financial transfers, and
launch an electronic platform to connect investors, exporters, and importers
from both countries.
Jamal
Razeqi Jahromi, Iranian Co-Chair of the Omani-Iranian Joint Business Council,
remarked that the $2 billion trade volume in 2024 does not reflect the historical
ties between Oman and Iran. He called on business leaders to take advantage of
all agreements and memoranda of understanding signed yesterday to increase
commercial and investment initiatives.
Following
the discussions, several Omani and Iranian companies presented their
experiences in trade and investment between the two countries.
——
Ends/AH
