Backed by strong bilateral diplomatic relations with the Sultanate of Oman, Kazakhstan is aiming to boost its trade and commercial relations with Oman in the coming year. Accordingly, various trade understanding and visa waiver pacts are in store which can substantially aid the ongoing bilateral relations at various fronts.
Presently, Omanoil is involved in the development of the oil field ‘Pearl’ in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea and onshore Dunga field in the Mangystau region.
In addition, Oman provided assistance to the development of the new capital city of Kazakhstan — Astana city. In 1998, His Majesty the Sultan provided $10 million grant for the construction of Saltanat Sarayi (Palace of Ceremonies) which is one of the most beautiful buildings in Astana.
Speaking to the Observer, Yerzhan Mukash, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Sultanate of Oman said the bilateral trade figures is on a steady rise.
“We are looking forward to have various trade and diplomatic pacts in place in the coming years which will reinstate the mutual relations between the two countries”, Mukash said.
He added that the gross direct investments from 2005 till last year from Oman to Kazakhstan have exceeded $253.2 million. The main products exported from Kazakhstan to Oman are grain, steel coil, and tubular products.
Kazakhstan and Oman are ready in near future to sign the Agreement on the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.
This year has marked 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. On this remarkable occasion, the heads of the foreign ministries of two states, Kazakhstan — Kairat Abdrakhmanov, and Oman’s Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs- Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah have exchanged congratulatory messages.
Cooperation in agricultural sector between the two has a great potential. Last year, for the first time, the first flock of Kazakhstani sheep was delivered to Oman and the relations are all poised to grow.
The functioning of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, as well as the accession of Kazakhstan to the multimodal transit corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman (Ashgabat Agreement) in recent times, according to him, will undoubtedly contribute to the activation of cargo and the growth of mutual trade between the countries of Central Asia and the GCC states.
KABEER YOUSUF
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