(Muscat  Daily) - A series of top-level B2B meetings began in Khartoum, Sudan between Omani  exporters and Sudanese businesses, on Wednesday

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Led by Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export development agency, a 15-member strong delegation of exporters are meeting with importers and distributors.
“The trade mission is about increasing the profile of Oman in Sudan and developing trade and business opportunities across a broad range of goods and services,” said Saif al Mamari, export development director, Ithraa.
In 2017, Oman’s exports to Sudan rose by 14 per cent over 2016, reaching over US$9.4mn. Main exports included cement, tomato paste, plastic packaging, milk and cream, sweetmeat, biscuits and clorex.
“A key objective of Omani companies who take part in such 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 businesses, which will hopefully lead to more contracts,” said Mamari.
Commenting on their 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 products in Sudan.”
Hamdan Rashid Salim al Aissae, managing director, Lotus Oil Lubricants, said, “We are delighted to be participating in the Sudan trade mission. Ithraa is giving us an international platform to help promote our business. 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. The 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 capitalise on the opportunities that exist.