A new chapter in Omani–Italian economic relations

The visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the Sultanate of Oman marks a step towards a new phase of economic cooperation and a more diverse and sustainable partnership.

In recent years, Muscat and Rome have strengthened political coordination and reinforced the foundations of economic cooperation. This momentum was reflected in the meeting held on 3 December, 2025, between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. The two countries reviewed cooperation and explored ways to expand their partnership across multiple sectors.

Data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information indicate that trade between Oman and Italy reached approximately OMR 184.3 million in 2025. Omani exports to Italy totalled OMR 33.6m while Omani imports from Italy amounted to OMR 150.7m.

The most important Omani exports to Italy include metals and metal products, plastics and rubber, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment and vehicles and transport equipment. The most important Omani imports from Italy include chemical industry products, food industry products, and machinery, appliances and electrical equipment.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said that economic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Italian Republic are witnessing an advanced stage of qualitative development. This progress is driven by closer strategic and economic alignment between the two countries. It reflects a shift in the nature of international partnerships from traditional trade relations to investment partnerships based on added value, knowledge transfer and integration within production chains.

He added that this momentum comes at a highly significant time, coinciding with the implementation of the targets of Oman Vision 2040. This places economic diversification, private sector empowerment and sustainability at the forefront of its priorities. It also aligns with Italy’s direction towards strengthening its international economic presence and expanding partnerships in promising markets.

He explained that bilateral trade between the two countries represents a solid foundation on which to build, noting that the next phase requires a shift from a focus on trade to deepening joint investments and establishing long-term partnerships in the production and service sectors. This will help enhance the trade balance, increase the competitiveness of the national economy and, at the same time, support the presence of Italian companies in the region, he added.

The OCCI Chairman noted that investment opportunities available to the private sector in the two friendly countries are broad and diverse, especially in the energy and the green transition sectors. Oman represents a promising regional hub for renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. It benefits from its geographical location and natural potential, aligning with Italy’s advanced expertise in clean technologies and sustainable solutions. Opportunities also extend to the industrial sector, particularly value-added manufacturing industries and advanced industrial technologies. These include innovation in digital transformation, smart technologies and the circular economy.

He added that the agriculture and food industries sector represents another promising area for cooperation. This is especially relevant in light of Oman’s drive towards enhancing food security and investing in modern agricultural technologies. It opens the door to high-quality partnerships with Italian companies with experience in this field.

He also spoke of the importance of the mining sector and the utilisation of natural resources in line with sustainability principles, highlighting the growing opportunities in supply chains and logistics services. These benefit from Oman’s strategic location as a logistics hub linking Asia, Africa and Europe.

The OCCI Chairman said that meetings of business leaders and bilateral economic forums serve as a key tool for translating this potential into tangible projects. They enable direct engagement between investors, facilitate the exchange of expertise and build trust between the business communities of the two countries.

He explained that the OCCI plays a strategic role in creating an institutional environment that supports cooperation. This includes organising and hosting delegations and forums, coordinating bilateral business meetings, promoting investment opportunities and providing effective communication channels between the private sector and relevant entities.

He affirmed that the Chamber continues to strengthen its partnerships with counterpart chambers and economic institutions in Italy. This approach keeps pace with global economic transformations. It helps empower the Omani private sector to play a greater role in attracting investments, transferring technologies, creating quality job opportunities and supporting sustainable growth pathways for the national economy. This serves the shared interests of the two friendly countries.

Salma bint Ali Al Hashmi, Vice President of Marketing at Al Mouj Muscat, and a Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of the Omani–Italian Friendship Association, said that bilateral relations between the two friendly countries are supported by steady trade flows, reflecting a positive trajectory.

She explained that tourism has become a clear indicator of deepening ties between the two friendly peoples, enhancing Italy’s importance as a European market. Direct flights to Rome have contributed to an increase in arrivals from Italy – the number of visitors arriving from Italy to Oman reached more than 80,ooo by the end of December 2025.

She noted that the visit of the Italian Prime Minister represents an opportunity to transform diplomatic and trade relations into sector-based investment plans and partnerships, enabling knowledge exchange and supporting sustainable growth in priority sectors.

She explained that the Omani–Italian Friendship Association organises the Omani–Italian Investment Business Forum. It also holds bilateral meetings between Italian business leaders and investors and their counterparts from Oman. These meetings aimto establish commercial partnerships, she added.

She confirmed that cooperation and ongoing discussions continue to further enhance tourism and cooperation in archaeological heritage. This reflects Italy’s long-standing contributions and the potential for Italian companies to support Oman Vision 2040 through tourism initiatives.

She said that the energy sector in Oman remains a key bridge, with new partnership opportunities developing in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainability-related industrial cooperation. As an example of this, she pointed to the cooperation in Block 47 between Oman Exploration and Production Company and its Italian partner Eni.