Duty-free access to Indian exports, including gold; India signs trade deal with Oman

NEW DELHI: India signed a free trade agreement with Oman, ensuring duty-free entry for 98 per cent of products from India. The agreement was signed by Minister Piyush Goyal and Omani Minister Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq.

Exports will increase in the sectors of textiles, leather, footwear, jewellery, engineering products, plastics, furniture, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles and renewable energy.

The transfer quota for Indian corporate entities increased. Temporary visa period for contract service providers, business visitors and independent professionals extended to two years. Visa and stay period relaxations for accountancy, tax, architecture and medical professionals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Oman, was conferred with the Order of Oman, the country’s highest civilian honour. The award was presented by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in recognition of Modi’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Oman.

The Prime Minister spoke in Malayalam at an event at the Oman Convention Centre to address Indian students and expatriates. He began by asking, "I think there are a lot of Malayalees here. Sugamano (are you all doing well?)” asked the Prime Minister.