Omani, Yemeni Businessmen Seek to Remove Trade Roadblocks

The businessmen from Oman and Yemen discussed exchange of trade between two neighbouring countries and sought to remove the roadblocks in trade and commerce to reap maximum benefits of the available resources. The discussion was held recently at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OCCI), Salalah Chapter, under the banner of Fifth Meeting of the Omani-Yemeni Council for Businessmen.

While reviewing the developments of the previous meetings, the participants aspired to achieve the trade exchange volume of early 21st century. A data submitted during the discussion stated that the trade exchange between Oman and Yemen was constant and positively upward from 2001 to 2007, but the volume dropped dramatically in 2008, and the trend is continuing till now.

Yemen’s economy depends on the limited resources of oil and gas with untapped wells. Although oil and gas constitutes the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, dependence on agriculture is very high, as such products keep moving the ports of the country.

The main agricultural crops of Yemen are millet, maize, wheat, mango, banana, papaya, watermelon, citrus fruits such as oranges , lemons , pears , apples, peaches, grapes, pomegranates and coffee. The agriculture sector employs about 54.2 per cent of the workforce in the country.

Commenting on behalf of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OCCI), Anwar Ali Sultan of WJ Towell group, called upon the Omani authorities to ease visa restrictions and issue multiple visas at least for the trade committee members.

“There are many areas in which both the countries can benefit from. Before 2008 there was very good trade volume between Oman and Yemen and we call it ‘top time’ in trade between both the countries. But the Arab Spring derailed the process. We are trying to resolve the roadblocks to benefit from each other’s resources and make far better trade through our ports,” he said.

Omer Abdulrahman Bajresh, Chairman of the Board of Feseration of Yemen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed the feelings of the Omani businessmen and sought greater cooperation between Omani and Yemeni trade relations.

He sought movement of ships between the ports of Salalah and Yemen. “We are exporting fruits and other agricultural products to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oman, being the closest neighbour, can advantage of fresh fruits, vegetables and livestock and dairy products available in Yemen.”

The development of Mazyona Free Zone, according to Omar, is a great step on the part of the Omani government. “It will surely facilitate more export from Oman of the goods we need, and many import of agricultural products, which are surplus in Yemen,” he said.

The businessmen exhorted the authorities to benefit from the tourism opportunities in both the countries. They cited the example of Salalah, which is emerging as an important tourist destination in the region. “Yemen has four locations in the World Heritage list. Contribution of tourism in the country’s economy is relatively low. We want to do away with the obstacles and promote this sector in a good way,” the businessmen said.