MUSCAT: Trade between Oman and Tanzania has increased from $140 million to $350 million over the past three years, highlighting growing economic ties as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, logistics and tourism.
Saud bin Hilal al Shidhani, Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania, said the relationship between the two countries, built on longstanding historical and cultural links, is entering a new phase of economic cooperation supported by strong political commitment and increased engagement between their private sectors.
He said recent years have seen more trade missions, business delegations and participation by Omani companies in Tanzanian exhibitions, creating opportunities for partnerships and investment.
"Tanzania has become an important gateway for Omani companies seeking access to East African markets," he said, noting that the country's strategic location on the Indian Ocean and membership of both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community provide access to a regional market of hundreds of millions of consumers.
Al Shidhani said Omani investment in Tanzania has expanded significantly following the signing of agreements on double taxation avoidance and reciprocal investment protection in 2024.
Investments now span oil and gas exploration, mining, industry, agriculture, fisheries, airport management, transport and quarantine facilities, while Tanzanian investors have also shown increasing interest in Oman's property market because of the Sultanate's stable and attractive investment climate.
He identified logistics, ports, agriculture, food industries, livestock, tourism, renewable energy, mining and special economic zones as among the sectors offering the strongest potential for future cooperation.
According to the ambassador, closer cooperation between Omani and Tanzanian ports could strengthen trade flows and re-export activity linking the Gulf with East Africa, while the embassy in Dar es Salaam continues to connect investors, facilitate business partnerships and promote investment opportunities in both countries.
He also said the embassy is encouraging Tanzanian businesses to source Omani products, particularly in food processing, fisheries, petrochemicals, plastics, logistics and construction materials, while introducing Omani investors to opportunities in Tanzania's agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and mining sectors.
Looking ahead, Al Shidhani announced that Air Tanzania will soon begin operating three direct flights a week between Dar es Salaam and Muscat, a development expected to boost tourism, trade and business travel.
He also confirmed that Dar es Salaam will host the third session of the Oman-Tanzania Joint Committee in the coming months to review bilateral cooperation projects, while Omani Cultural Week will be held in the Tanzanian capital in September.
Al Shidhani called on Omani businesses to take advantage of Tanzania's growing economy and investment opportunities, saying stronger commercial partnerships would help translate the two countries' longstanding historical ties into sustainable economic growth benefiting both nations. — ONA
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