While this month saw the Yemen truce expire and the UN continuing talks for broader deals, the business must continue for Khalid Mohammed Abdullah Mashaiba, who imports rice and cooking oil to his country.
Khalid is carrying the family business started by his father through challenging times but has successfully imported essential goods while exporting and marketing honey.
He imports rice from India, the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates and palm oil from Malaysia.
"Oman is our neighbouring country, and commercial procedures are not difficult and, in fact, encouraging to invest in projects," said Khalid, who has been focusing on potential projects in Oman for the last five years.
"In the past, we used to take goods, but now since the Sultanate of Oman has made 'Invest Easy' we are looking forward to start import and export company in the country," he pointed out.
For the last 15 years, he has been in the rice business importing Basmati from Punjab and Haryana, and exporting Yemeni honey to international markets.
"We receive a large number of orders from France, and we proceed through dealers operating in the GCC countries," said Khalid, hailing from Aden, Yemen.
The mode of transport used is shipping, so Sohar Port is highly significant for his business.
His rice brand is known as Al Waheed, (the only one), but now he is in the midst of importing a product from the Sultanate of Oman - Sahara.
"We will be the agent for Sahara juice in Yemen. The opportunities are many, and this is the time to act," Khalid explained.
Sidr honey and flower honey from Yemen have found a global niche market.
"Yes, honey from Yemen is well known in the world. Important sources of Yemeni honey are Shabwah, Hadramout and other places. Honey is used for medical purposes and, of course, as part of the daily diet consumed with bread. Yemeni honey is also used for the preservation of cooked meat. Honey is also popular for skin care," Khalid concluded.
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