ISLAMABAD: Pakistan`s ambassador to Oman Dr Imran Ali on Sunday highlighted the pressing need to cut bureaucratic delays that hinder implementation of the strategic visions of Pakistan`s foreign policy especially its trade component.

The Pakistani envoy was talking toDawnon the success of the first ever Pakistan-Oman Trade Expo and Business Conference, which was organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Muscat, and concluded with $18 million in trade agreements, signaling a promising boost in Pakistan-Oman economic relations.

`This Expo is Pakistan`s first ever single-country, multi-product exhibition across the Gulf Cooperation Council , Ambassador Ali said.

When asked why had this taken so long to happen he said: `Bureaucratic inertia remains a significant challenge, often burying strategic vision, in this case of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, under heaps of unnecessary procedures and paperwork. We decided to bypass these roadblocks and drive forward from the embassy itself.

The two-day event, held from October 13 to 14, attracted more than 2,000 visi-tors, including over 1,000 Omani business leaders, officials and local citizens, who interacted with Pakistani products spanning 11 industries, from sports goods, surgicals, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts, textiles, fashion apparel, food products, agri tools and IT services.

He said the Expo had exceeded expectations, with over 60 companies and 200 exhibitors, and `enthusiastic` support from the FPCCI and the Sialkot chamber showcasing Pakistan`s diverse products.

`Our Omani counterparts could touch our fabrics, try our sports gear, taste our products, and witness our technology.

This hands-on experience laid the foundation for long-term connections that go beyond numbers,` he added.

Dr Imran Ali emphasised the role of community support in overcoming logistical and financial constraints. `The embassy and the Pakistani community in Oman are inseparable in these efforts.

Pakistani expatriates contributed thousands in Omani rials and volunteered extensively,` he said.

The event was made possible with only two months planning with strong support from Oman`s Undersecretary Ibtisam, their commerce and foreign ministers and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

`The Pakistani and Omani leadershipand FPCCI provided unwavering support that helped the embassy overcome `digital disruptionists` who used to thwart all positive initiatives in the past, said Syed Haris Ali, head of AZK Engineering, who had built Oman`s second largest earth filled dam in Oman, and chairman of the Pakistan Social club interim committee.

The cost of the Expo was approximately $50,000, with the embassy and the Pakistan community raising $30,000. The ambassador was optimistic about securing the remainder from the government.

Imran Ikram, a Muscat-based businessman, who had conceived the event, said the event had strengthened the `economic relationship` between Pakistan and Oman, with companies now pursuing business opportunities.

`The $18 million in short-term agreements is vital, but the true success lies in the network and relationships we`ve cultivated,` he said.

Reflecting on the lessons learned, the ambassador stressed the importance of executing political vision without excessive bureaucracy.

`However, the key to opening up vistas for Pakistan was serving the Pakistani diaspora by the embassy which opens economic and strategic doors,` he emphasised.