Omani and Iranian businessmen have said that investments between the two countries will only get a boost through enhanced shipping lanes.

A group of 20 officials and businessmen from the South Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) recently visited the Iranian province of Isfahan. This was the third OCCI delegation to have visited Iran recently.

An OCCI report on the trip quoted Iranian businessmen as calling for increased shipping lines �from Musandam to Bandar Abbas� in Iran.

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It quoted Eng Hamoud al Saadi, chairman of OCCI South Batinah�s board of directors, as identifying the �lack of organised shipping� and high cost as �challenges� to investments.

The National Ferries Company last month launched service from Khasab in Musandam to Qeshm Island in Iran. In February, a shipping line from Sohar to Shahid Rajaee was also launched, operated by the Iranian company Khedri Jahan Darya.

Eng Saadi cited issues related to money transfers, although Western sanctions on Iran have recently been lifted.

Businessmen are hoping to increase bilateral investments and Iranian manufacturing exports to Oman.

The report said Eng Saadi invited Iranian companies to invest in Duqm. Officials discussed joint opportunities in the fields of cement, pipes and ceramics.

During the trip, the delegation visited steel, ceramics and automotive factories. They also visited an Iranian investment centre and the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Khalfan al Bahri, director, OCCI South Batinah said that improved political situation between Iran and the world powers represents an opportunity. �Iran is a big market and we expect to enhance trade between the two countries.�

The OCCI delegation represented companies from wilayats such as Rustaq, Barka, Wadi al Ma�awel and Musannah.

Officials from the South Batinah branch have previously undertaken trips to Singapore, India, Turkey and Britain.

By Hellenic Shipping News