Focus of Meeting Between the  President of Iran Chamber of Cooperatives and  Omani Ambassador اتاق تعاون ایران

On May 2, 2025, Bahman Abdollahi, President of the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, met with the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in Tehran to discuss the expansion of economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the cooperative sector. He emphasized that Oman, as a friendly and brotherly nation, holds a special significance for Iran, and that the countries’ strong political ties should be mirrored by strengthened economic interaction.

According to the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives’ news service, Abdollahi introduced the capabilities of Iran’s cooperative sector, noting that Iran’s economy is built upon three pillars—state, private, and cooperative—and that the cooperative sector plays a crucial and active role. A significant share of the country’s production is conducted through cooperatives.

He highlighted the Chamber’s readiness to enhance bilateral economic ties with Oman, pointing out the vast potential within Iran’s cooperative sector and the opportunity to boost mutual trade.

Regarding the current trade volume of approximately $ 1.4 billion between Iran and Oman, Abdollahi noted that this figure could increase given existing capacities and that practical steps should be taken toward deepening economic collaboration.

He also emphasized the potential for joint investments in Iran’s border provinces such as Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchestan, due to their geographical proximity to Oman. These regions could serve as production hubs for Omani-demanded goods, enabling cost-effective direct exports.

 

Additionally, Abdollahi highlighted Iran’s potential in health tourism, particularly in Fars Province, which possesses strong capabilities in healthcare and could serve as a medical tourism destination for Omani citizens.

Stressing that the cooperative sector is open to working with both public and private entities, he added that no Iranian cooperative is under international sanctions—a major advantage for expanding foreign cooperation.

He also expressed readiness to establish joint economic enterprises in Oman. By setting up packaging units for Iranian products such as urea and cement within Oman, these goods could be distributed domestically or re-exported to other markets.

Abdollahi stated that utilizing Omani ports and providing incentives for Iranian businesses would greatly support bilateral trade.

In response, the Omani Ambassador expressed satisfaction at visiting the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives and learning about its capacities. He reiterated the excellent political relations between the two countries and said Oman consistently values its ties with Iran and seeks to broaden economic cooperation.

Referring to the current trade levels, the Ambassador acknowledged that while they are satisfactory, Oman has more ambitious goals and intends to continually enhance these relations.

He mentioned Oman’s efforts to facilitate the entry of Iranian businesses into its market and noted the participation of Omani trade delegations in events such as Expo 2025. Oman, he said, maintains broad trade relationships globally and is eager to strengthen cooperation with Iran.

Citing his visit to Fars Province and observing the significant presence of Omani tourists, the Ambassador underlined the province’s potential in health and tourism services.

He identified the creation of joint packaging facilities as a strategic measure to boost exports and reduce the impact of sanctions.

The Ambassador concluded by inviting the President of the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives to a joint meeting with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Omani economic actors, proposing the establishment of regular freight lines between the two countries. He suggested that leveraging successful Iranian freight and insurance companies could help transition from traditional shipping methods (like small wooden boats) to a more modern and efficient economic partnership.