Oman and South Africa to explore key sectors

@kabeeryousef -

Sultanate of Oman and South Africa are keen to explore newer business and trade vistas while enhancing the existing ties in the bilateral relations, according to a spokesperson from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

A high level trade delegation from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein are visiting the Sultanate of Oman on September 1 and will hold key-level meetings with their counterparts and hold B2B meetings as part of the Oman-South Africa Business Forum

A lineup of experts and businessmen specialised in food and beverages, chrome and mining and exporting and importing will attend the B2B meetings at the OCCI head office on Wednesday.

"We are expecting a number of experts and businesspeople in a wide range of areas to be present on Wednesday and hold talks with Omani counterparts and ministerial representatives," OCCI spokesperson said.

According to statistics release by the South African Embassy in Muscat, the total trade between South Africa and the Sultanate of Oman shows an upward trajectory, till this year, that is, an average growth of approximately 7.08 per cent, since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The trade figures of 2016 and 2017 indicate that South Africa’s exports to the Sultanate of Oman increased by a whopping RO 248m. Also, there is a renewed interest in cross border investment and tourism between the two countries.

On the other hand, Oman imports from South Africa was $58.03m during 2021, according to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade.

The diplomatic relations between the two were established in October 1995 and South Africa opened its Embassy in Muscat in 2002, while the Sultanate of Oman opened its Embassy in Pretoria in 2003. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, relations between the two have expanded into various fields, aided by the exchange of high-level visits, the negotiation of bilateral agreements and greater people-to-people contact.