Bandar Abbas, May 14, IRNA � A direct shipping line between Iran's Rajaei Port and Oman's Sohar Port was opened on Thursday in presence of local officials and representatives of the two countries' private sectors.

'The opening of this new shipping line, owned by a private sector Iranian company, marks the beginning of a historical move in the political geography of the region,' said the Secretary General and of Iran-Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce Ahmad Shirzadegan in a ceremony to launch the line.

The Iran-Oman Joint Chamber has been pursuing the objective perseveringly for a year, he added.

He said that the launching of the new shipping line is a part of a comprehensive agreement reached between Iran and Oman in early spring 2015, which includes making investments, construction work, and banking transactions, as well.

Ganaveh, the first refrigerated cargo ship set out toward Sohar Port after the ceremony.

The deputy head of Iran-Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce, too, said in the ceremony that the volume of Iran-Oman trade in the year 2013 was around 877 million dollars which showed 72% increase compared with the year 2012.

Mohammad-Amin Sabbaqizadeh added that it is predicted that the figure will with a giant leap will reach the $4 billion annual level within the next two years, thanks to the effective diplomatic moves made in both countries.

By IRNA