Trade talks start in Khartoum

A series of top-level B2B meetings began between Omani exporters and Sudanese businesses in Khartoum on Wednesday Led by Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export development agency, a 15-strong delegation of local exporters are meeting with a range of importers and distributors in Khartoum.

“The trade mission is all about increasing the profile of Oman in Sudan and developing trade and business opportunities across a broad range of goods and services,” explained Saif al Mamari, Ithraa’s Export Development Director.

In 2017, Oman’s total exports to Sudan rose by 14 per cent over 2016, reaching over $9.4 million. Main exports from the Sultanate included cement, tomato paste, plastic packaging, milk and cream, sweetmeat, biscuits and cleaning agents.

“A key objective for Omani exporting companies who take part in our trade missions is to develop contacts and leads for potential sales in international markets. We hope the Sudan B2B meetings will be successful, generating leads for local businesses, which will hopefully lead to more contracts,” said Al Mamari.

Commenting on their involvement in the Khartoum visit, Tanveer Rahman of Haifa Industrial Services said: “We’re participating in the Sudan B2B meetings in order to find potential importers interested in our product range. We are also looking to secure a strong distribution channel to market our product in Sudan.”

“We are delighted to be participating on the Sudan trade mission”, said Hamdan Rashid Salim al Aissae, Managing Director, Lotus Oil Lubricants. Al Aissae added: “Ithraa is giving us an international platform to help promote our business globally. By participating in the B2B sessions we get direct access to valuable manufacturers, distributors and customers. Sudan is a big market, and we hope to make some great connections. It could become our gateway to the rest of Africa.”

Expanding economies in Africa provide fertile ground for Omani companies looking to expand their global footprint. T he continent as a whole is the second fastest growing economy in the world and is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies. The Ithraa-led trade mission is about helping Omani companies capitalize on the opportunities that exist.