Development of Iran-Oman Trade Cooperation in the Building Industry / Establishment of a Joint Committee to Address Trade Challenges

According to the Public Relations Office of the Iran Trade Promotion Organization, coinciding with the 25th International Building Industry Exhibition, the Iran Investment Opportunities in Oman event was held at the Morvarid Hall of the Tehran International Exhibition Center. The event was attended by trade officials from both countries, the Director of the Iran Trade Center in Oman, as well as some investors and stakeholders in the building industry. The event was organized by the Iran Trade Promotion Organization and the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives.

At the meeting, the Deputy for International Business at the Iran Trade Promotion Organization highlighted the strong relations between Iran and Oman, stating: “Oman has always been a reliable trade partner for Iran. Currently, our trade relations with Oman face both opportunities and challenges, and taking these into account can help elevate bilateral trade.”

Amir Roshanbakhsh added that Oman’s proximity to Saudi Arabia and the UAE has increased interest in developing the construction industry in the country. He continued: “Iran can contribute to this development in two areas: engineering services in the construction sector and the supply of building materials and products. Currently, there are activities in infrastructure sectors such as water, wastewater, and stormwater management, which provide significant opportunities for collaboration with Iranian companies.”

He further emphasized: “Iran has significant capabilities in building materials but faces limitations such as logistics, which could affect our competitive advantage in Oman. The Iran Trade Promotion Organization is ready to hold meetings with our Omani counterparts to address these challenges.”

Roshanbakhsh also pointed to legal challenges faced by the private sector in securing their claims and suggested that establishing a joint working group or committee to verify the credibility and qualifications of companies in both countries could help resolve private sector issues. He concluded by announcing the organization’s readiness to create a joint committee to address trade challenges and develop bilateral cooperation.

The importance of Iranian companies’ presence in Oman’s construction investment sector

Masoud Taheri Mehr, Iran’s first Commercial Counselor in Muscat and Head of the Persian Gulf Office at the West Asia Department of the Iran Trade Promotion Organization, highlighted the strong track record of Iranian companies in Oman’s construction and engineering services sectors. He stated: “It is now crucial for Iranian companies to actively participate in assessing construction investment opportunities in Oman. Most Omani tenders are announced via their official website, and Iranian companies can access them only through these announcements.”

He added that Iranian companies have successfully executed projects in power plants, refineries, and road construction in Oman. However, in recent years, challenges such as providing bank guarantees have slowed progress. Nevertheless, given the strong bilateral trade relations, Iranian companies still have opportunities to participate in and win projects in Oman.

Amin Haghighi, Director of the Iran Trade Center in Oman, provided explanations about the center’s activities in supporting Iranian economic and commercial actors in Oman.

The event also included speeches by Omani trade officials, including the President of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on expanding commercial activities with Iran.