Oman and Lebanon strengthen economic partnership

MUSCAT: The Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum and its accompanying exhibition opened on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, highlighting the shared goal of deepening trade, investment and industrial ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Lebanese Republic.
Organised jointly by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) and Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade, in cooperation with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon, the forum brought together a wide range of government officials, investors and business leaders from both nations.
Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said that Oman and Lebanon have long enjoyed historic trade relations that have fostered cultural and knowledge exchange. “We look forward to translating these strong ties into deeper cooperation and integration between our economies”, he said.
“Both governments continue to provide the necessary incentives and facilities that empower the private sector to drive prosperity and sustainable growth”.
Dr Amer al Bassat, Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade, described the relationship between the two countries as one grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations for stability and development.
He called for practical steps to strengthen collaboration, including the formation of a permanent joint economic committee to follow up on forum outcomes and the creation of platforms linking the private sectors of both countries to facilitate partnerships and knowledge transfer.
“The forum provides an opportunity to establish genuine, productive and sustainable partnerships that contribute to our countries’ economic resilience”, he said.
Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), noted that the forum embodies a shared vision to enhance economic cooperation and expand trade horizons.
“This event offers a valuable platform for exchanging expertise and exploring investment opportunities”, he said, adding that such initiatives go beyond product showcases to build relationships that can lead to new joint ventures and sustainable development.
Dr Ali Hassan Mahdi, CEO of Al Haqaiq Exhibitions and Conferences, said the forum aims to lay the groundwork for joint industrial and commercial projects and pave the way for new investment agreements.
Lebanese businessman Nehme Aqram, Chairman and CEO of INDEVCO Industrial Group, proposed the creation of a Lebanese-Omani Industrial, Commercial, Tourism and Investment Partnership Council to serve as a permanent platform for exchange between public and private sectors.
The first day of the event featured a special session titled “Prospects for Economic Integration between the Sultanate of Oman and Lebanon: Towards a Sustainable Industrial, Commercial and Investment Partnership”, which brought together experts from both countries to explore collaboration opportunities across sectors such as industry, tourism, agriculture, services and technology.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Lebanese-Omani Economic, Commercial and Industrial Exhibition was inaugurated, showcasing products and services from over 100 companies representing diverse sectors, including manufacturing, food, tourism and logistics. The exhibition provided participants with opportunities to form partnerships and explore potential ventures.