27 September 2016
Muscat: A significant agreement to establish Iranian Bazaar in the wilayat of Barka in South Batinah was signed by the Sultanate and Iran on Monday. The bazaar will be built on an area of 40,000 square metres and will showcase a variety of Iranian products.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of a major exhibition on Omani products in Tehran, according to a press release.

An Omani products exhibition (Opex) was inaugurated on Monday at the Tehran International Exhibition Centre in Iran under the auspices of Eng. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade. A significant participation of Omani firms is being witnessed at the event showcasing their products and services to the Iranian market.

Nematzadeh said that the exhibition offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the diverse Omani products, and hailed the quality of the products showcased at the event. He also noted that the exhibition facilitates dialogues on the challenges faced by Omani business owners in entering the Iranian market. Nematzadeh called upon the Omani and Iranian investors and businessmen to further strengthen cooperation in investment, trade and manufacturing fields, and noted that the government will offer necessary support to mark a success for the cooperation.

Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Oman's Minister of Commerce and Industry, said that the Oman-Iranian Joint Committee meetings and Opex event in Tehran will strengthen trade relations between the two countries. "The launching of the maritime route (Khasab-Bandar Abbas), commercial route (Shinas-Bandar Abbas) and sea route (Sohar-Bandar Abbas) will contribute in enhancing trade movement between the two countries," Al Sunaidi pointed out. He added that the meetings of Omani-Iran Joint Committee will focus on a number of topics,including those of interest to industrialists like standards and specifications, and insurance for the transport of goods, vehicles and individuals.

Ayman Al Hasani, chairman of OPEX Organising Committee, said that the participating Omani firms are representing various industries including natural resources, minerals, wood products, manufacturing products, furniture, food, medical and pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, plastic and metal equipment, perfume, leather, and logistics. Several government bodies and small and medium enterprises are also taking part in the event. "Such exhibitions play a significant role in opening new markets for the Omani products. By organising Opex in Iran, we aspire at strengthening trade relations between Oman and Iran, as well as targeting the neighbouring markets alike," Al Hasani stated.

The exhibition is organised by a committee comprising the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa), and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). Opexin Iran aspires at enhancing business relations between the Sultanate and Iran, highlighting the high quality Omani products to the visitors, exploring the dynamic market of Iran, and getting acquainted with the manufacturing, investment and export opportunities in Iran and the neighbouring markets. Besides, the event provides a perfect platform for Iranian importers, agents, distributors, re-exporters of products with an excellent opportunity to meet, network and sign up with the exporters directly.

© Times of Oman 2016