SA eyes bilateral cooperation with Oman

South Africa wants to expand bilateral cooperation with Oman and deepen political and economic relations, the presidency said on Tuesday.

President Jacob Zuma concluded the first day of a state visit to the sultanate where he took part in talks with Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, his spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

A supplementary protocol amending the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income was signed on Tuesday.

“With regards to trade relations, South Africa has already made some important investments in Oman, particularly related to the port of Sohar,” Zuma was quoted saying.

Business delegation
“We would like to see companies and government institutions of Oman seriously consider South Africa as an investment destination.”

Oman was expected to send a business delegation to South Africa next year to identify investment opportunities.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries was established in 1994 after South Africa’s first democratic elections.

Zuma was accompanied by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

Investment opportunities
The ministers met their counterparts.

A business delegation also joined Zuma to explore investment opportunities in tourism, information and communications technology, mining, energy and agro-processing.

Zuma is scheduled to address the South Africa-Omani business forum and visit the Port of Sohar on Wednesday.

He is in the Gulf States on state visits in Abu Dhabi and Muscat in Oman.—Sapa