Gulf Air - the national carrier of Sultanate of Oman is looking for expanding its activities in the region to improve its business to strengthen the country's economy, said ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Mohammed Bin Said Bin Mohammed Al-Lanati, in a press briefing, here on Wednesday.
He said Oman's desire for good relations with Pakistan is not to help, rather it's their duty.
Answering a question relating to investment in Gwadar Port, he said that it is not between the two governments, rather it depends on private companies who would be looking for opportunities weighing the facilities offered by Pakistan. There could be some projects in future for enhancing economic ties with Pakistan, he added.
Oman has contributed 100 million dollar for October earthquake relief.
Replying to another question, he said that there is not much trade between the two countries. Presently, Oman is purchasing rice from Pakistan. The total imports from Pakistan are only 100 million dollar approximately, he added.
Oman is a football-playing nation and to boost this sport in the country. Gulf Air has taken up the task to improve the standard to international level. For this purpose, it has acquired three-year sponsorship for the under-17 and under-19 teams. This will not only bring the football national team to world standards but also improve the image of the Gulf Air.
Regarding the purchase of the footballs from Pakistan, the ambassador said that Oman is importing footballs from sources recommended by FIFA, following international standards.
The Gulf Airline claims that they are already helping to build a better future for Oman by way of financial contribution to the country's economy, says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan. This has been achieved by increased flights through Seeb Airport and initiatives such as the new maintenance centre and the world-wide call centre in Muscat.
The Gulf Air arranged an exhibition match in Pakistan with the Pakistani football team to show their solidarity with the country, which was played on Wednesday in Islamabad.
General Manager to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ranju Selvadurai, speaking about Gulf Air, said that last year their Airline carried 7.4 million passengers with a fleet of 34 aircraft, which include Boeing 747 and Airbuses. He claimed that Gulf Air possesses the strongest network across the Middle East.
The airline has 26 flights for Pakistan in a week to Karachi-12, Lahore-6, Islamabad-4 and Peshawar-4.