Expo Helps Iranians Explore Omani Opportunities

The five-day Omani Products Exhibition dubbed OPEX concluded last week in Tehran, helping Iranian investors and traders take stock of business opportunities in the Persian Gulf state.

“Prior to this event, the port had a series of meetings with Iranian firms involved in the field of port services, when cooperation agreements were signed to facilitate shipping and trade between the two countries,” Saad bait Nasib, assistant commercial manager for VAS and Liquid Products at Salalah Port, was quoted as saying by Omani newspaper Muscat Daily.

“Our participation at the event allowed us to brief Iranian companies on our port, its facilities and incentives,” he added.

Al Madina Logistics Services also participated at OPEX where it displayed its services in the field of logistics, goods delivery and storage. Khalil Al Balushi, the company’s senior manager of business development, stressed that there are promising opportunities for development of logistics activities and services between Oman and Iran.

“Several Iranian companies showed their interest in cooperation with Omani firms in shipping and export of goods to and from the Sultanate through Omani and Iranian ports, alongside cooperation to reexport commodities from Oman to Africa, Central Asia and Europe,” Al Balushi said.

Sulaiman Al Sulti, director of public relations and media at Muna Noor Manufacturing and Trading, also said it is the fifth participation of Muna Noor at OPEX event following the ones held in Riyadh, Dubai, Jeddah and Addis Ababa.

“OPEX in Iran has offered a great opportunity for us to explore the Iranian market. Taking into account the great Omani-Iranian relations, we aspire to see these relations having a significant impact on the economic side as well,” he said.

Both countries signed an agreement on the sidelines of the exhibition on Monday to establish an Iranian bazaar in Oman to be built in an area of 40,000 square meters and showcase a variety of Iranian products.

The exhibition presented firms from various Omani industries, including natural resources, minerals, wood products, manufacturing products, furniture, food, medical and pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, plastic and metal equipment, perfume, leather and logistics.

Business-to-business meetings between Omani businessmen and their Iranian counterparts were held on the sidelines of the event and a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between the two sides.

OPEX is organized by a committee comprising the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.