Singapore aims at bolstering cooperation with Sultanate

By Kabeer Yousuf -

SINGAPORE — The bilateral relations between the Oman and Singapore are poised for a major fillip as the two countries are likely to seek avenues of common interest and enhance them, according to a key official at the Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We are exploring areas of common interest and we will identify the important sectors for co-operation for mutual benefit. We two have relations that span around several thousands of years and we are committed to revitalise them for the good of the two nations,” Zainul Abidin Rasheed (pictured), Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs told the Observer.

He said both countries with maritime heritage will seek to open up newer avenues as well as entering into joint ventures that will involve trade and commercial relations besides diplomatic relations.

“We both have maritime traditions began in 9th century and we will be happy to enter into more JV’s with Oman and/ or other areas of interest,” Abidin, who is also the Adviser to the Middle East Business Group of the Singapore Business Federation said attending the Middle East Media Conference held as part of the ongoing Singapore International Energy Week.

As part of the ongoing efforts of mutual understanding and improving trade and commercial relations, a special delegation of the media persons will visit the Sultanate next week.

Both countries have recently entered into a joint venture for a specialty steel plant marking a milestone in the bilateral relations. Gulf Specialty Steel Industries Plant (GSSI) which was opened at the Industrial Estate is a joint venture between BH Global Marine Ltd (Global Steel Industries Pte Ltd), Singapore and Oman’s Takamul Investment Company SAOC. GSSI will have the capacity to produce 60,000 MT of galvanised steel wires used in the manufacture of electrical cables. The project whose workforce comprises 7O per cent Omani nationals, would further boost Singapore-Omani economic relations.

As part of bolstering the bilateral ties with Oman, Singapore has opened its Embassy in Muscat recently which has, among others, minimised the time required to process visa applications to Singapore.

Singapore aims at bolstering cooperation with Sultanate