KARACHI, May 9: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) President Abdullah Rowas has blamed a few of the Pakistani businessmen for supplying poor quality rice, shoes and some other items to Omani importers, who are now reluctant to place fresh orders with Pakistani exporters.

In a recent meeting with Pakistan’s Charge d’ Affaires Dr. Irfan Yusuf Shami held in Muscat, the OCCI president acknowledged that there were a range of quality products available in Pakistan which meet the demand and specifications of his country’s market.

Information received from Muscat said that Rowas also encouraged the visit to Oman of a large trade delegation from Pakistan, which should comprise leading and reputable Pakistani exporters in various fields.

The Oman chamber chief also drew parallells with the practice followed by a number of other countries and assured that the OCCI would arrange meetings of Pakistani exporters with their respective Omani counterparts.

He advised that each member of the Pakistani trade delegation should carry samples of their products “in their brief cases”. Rowas also promised to assist in establishing an exclusive display counter for Pakistani products on a permanent basis in OCCI premises.

Mr Rowas said keeping in view its important location, establishment of free trade areas in Salalah and Sohar as well as conclusion of free trade agreements, Oman was an ideal destination for export and re-export of Pakistani products.

Meanwhile, Dr. Irfan Yusuf has asked the EPB chairman and the FPCCI president to extend an official invitation to OCCI president.

He also suggested that a high-level Pakistani trade delegation led by either the EPB chairman or the FPCCI president, including representatives from leading export sectors should undertake a visit to Oman. The members of the delegation, he said, should carry samples of their products for display in OCCI premises.

Dr. Irfan asked both the EPB and FPCCI to take prompt action in black-listing all those exporters and companies who export poor quality products, damaging the image of the country.