MUSCAT: Iran offers ample investment opportunities for Omani entrepreneurs as the country is gearing up to execute several projects in a wide range of industries. “Iran is ready for investment and the country plans to develop infrastructure projects, hotels and modern technology. We invite Oman to invest in Iran’s capital market (as well),” said Ali Akbar Sibeveih, Iran’s ambassador to the Sultanate.
He was addressing a roadshow in Muscat to discuss opportunities created by the re-opening of the Iranian economy to foreign participation, as well as an in-depth discussion of Iran’s capital markets. He said Oman and Iran have strong bilateral relations and the lifting of sanctions offers ample opportunities. “Iran is blessed with oil and gas, minerals, gold and many other minerals.”
Sibeveih said that the external debt of Iran is low, which is an attraction for those who plan to invest there. The external debt stands at less than two per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
A high-level delegation from Oman, including Yusef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs; Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, minister of commerce and industry; and Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman, has recently visited Tehran to strengthen bilateral relations.
Iran, which holds the world’s fourth largest oil reserves and the second largest stocks of natural gas, has successfully privatised several state-owned companies and investors can either directly discuss with the government or acquire shares from the stock market. As many as 500 companies are listed on Iran’s stock markets.
Iran protects foreign investors from political risks. Further, Iran is party to 60 bilateral treaties, which helps to protect the interest of foreign investors.
