Oman-Pakistan Strengthen Trade Ties Through Rice Imports

The trade relationship between Oman and Pakistan has been reinforced through recent discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral trade. The Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman, Eng. Sami Abdullah Al Khanjari, highlighted the significant import of rice from Pakistan by Oman, amounting to 60% of its total rice imports. Recognizing the superior quality of Pakistani rice, Oman expressed interest in expanding this trade partnership by exploring the export of additional agricultural products like onions, potatoes, lentils, and mangoes from Karachi to Oman.

Meetings held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry brought together Omani officials, including Vice Consul General Abdullah Jumah Al Harbi and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, to discuss the potential for increased trade. The Omani delegation commended Pakistan for its high-quality rice exports and expressed a desire to diversify the range of products entering the Omani market, including items like sugar, textiles, and towels from Pakistan.

Key stakeholders in Karachi, such as the Governor of Sindh and the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, engaged with the Omani delegation to explore trade opportunities and address any challenges hindering smooth trade between the two countries. President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral trade ties, reducing trade barriers, and expanding the variety of products exchanged between Oman and Pakistan.

Looking ahead, Sheikh highlighted the potential for Omani investments in Pakistan's Coastal Ecosystem and Special Economic Zones, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, IT, and mines & minerals. He also stressed the significance of enhancing people-to-people contact, exchanging trade delegations, and participating in exhibitions to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Oman and Pakistan.

The discussions between Oman and Pakistan have laid a foundation for deeper economic collaboration and trade expansion. By leveraging each other's strengths in agriculture, energy, and other key sectors, both countries stand to benefit from a more robust trade relationship that fosters mutual growth and prosperity.