Economic and investment relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the People’s Republic of China continue to expand, supported by growing trade, Chinese investment and cooperation in industry, energy, logistics and technology.

The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to China is expected to open new opportunities for strategic partnerships between the two countries.

China remains Oman’s largest trading partner. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, trade reached OMR 9.6 billion in 2025, with Omani exports totalling OMR 7.7 billion and imports reaching OMR 1.9 billion.

Trade during the first seven months of 2026 stood at approximately OMR 5.4 billion. Chinese direct investment in Oman increased to OMR 903.8 million by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Economic cooperation is supported by the Oman-China Joint Committee, established under a trade agreement signed in 1980. Its tenth session, held in Beijing in December 2025, explored opportunities in renewable energy, manufacturing, digital trade and logistics.

The two countries are also strengthening tourism and business links through direct flights between Beijing and Muscat, launched in November 2025.

Recent years have witnessed increased economic engagement through investment forums, trade delegations and joint business meetings.

These include the Oman-China Economic and Trade Exchange Forum held in Muscat in August 2024, the Khazaen Economic City investment forum in Beijing and Oman’s participation in the Gulf-China Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum in Xiamen.

These initiatives have helped identify opportunities for joint ventures, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, technology and innovation.

Further cooperation is being explored in developing renewable energy supply chains, expanding digital commerce and establishing smart warehouses and distribution centres in the economic and free zones of Duqm, Sohar and Salalah. Discussions with China’s Hainan Province in 2026 also examined opportunities for investment, technology transfer and stronger commercial links.

The Oman-China Friendship Association, established in 2010, continues to promote cultural, educational and business exchanges, complementing the growing institutional and economic partnership between the two countries.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chair of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said His Majesty’s state visit would strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for Omani and Chinese businesses.

He identified advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, logistics and food security as priority sectors. He also welcomed progress in negotiations on a free trade agreement between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting that the Chamber is working to strengthen business links and encourage joint investment.

Lujaina Mohsen Haider Darwish, Honorary President of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said the visit could mark a new phase in relations, encouraging long-term investment partnerships and the transfer of knowledge and technology. She highlighted opportunities in logistics, industry, renewable energy, tourism and the green economy.

She added that the Association would continue promoting cultural exchanges and closer cooperation between the business communities of both countries.

Faisal Alawi Al Dheeb, Omani business executive, investor and real estate developer, said the visit offered an opportunity to attract Chinese companies to establish factories and joint industrial projects in Oman.

He highlighted the country’s strategic location, ports, free zones and investment infrastructure, calling on Omani businesses to develop practical proposals that could translate new partnerships into investment, technology transfer and employment opportunities.

Sean, a Chinese investor who established his company in Sohar Free Zone in 2022, praised Oman’s secure and investor-friendly business environment. He said government support, streamlined registration procedures, tax incentives and assistance from Invest Oman had helped him establish his business.

He described Oman’s strategic location, logistics infrastructure and investment policies as major advantages for foreign companies seeking to expand in regional markets.

The growing partnership supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly economic diversification, investment growth, industrial development and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities.