15 Omani companies target Chinese market through FHC 2026

MUSCAT, NOV 9
Omani food manufacturers are seeking to expand their imprint in Asian markets, with 15 national companies participating in the Shanghai International Food and Hospitality Exhibition (FHC 2026), which opened in China on November 9, 2026. It comes as the Sultanate of Oman steps up efforts to diversify export destinations and strengthen the competitiveness of non-oil exports.
The participation is being organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, represented by its national export development initiative, 'Oman Exports'. It aims to connect Omani businesses with international buyers, expand market access and create new opportunities for locally manufactured food products.
China remains one of Oman's key trading partners and its second-largest source of imports. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and the world's second-largest economy, the Chinese market offers considerable potential for Omani companies seeking to expand their international reach and diversify export destinations.
Trade figures for 2025 highlight the growing opportunities in the Chinese market. Omani non-oil exports to China increased by 81.4 per cent to RO 265.6 million, compared with RO146.4 million in 2024. Meanwhile, non-oil imports from China rose by 5.7 per cent to RO 1.94 billion, up from RO 1.84 billion a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
Lubna bint Mohammed al Harthiya, Director of the Export Development Department at the Ministry, said the Omani pavilion would provide participating companies with a direct platform to engage with leading international businesses and importers in China and the wider region.
She noted that the exhibition would enable Omani exporters to better understand market requirements and technical and regulatory standards, while facilitating business negotiations and the conclusion of export agreements.
Al Harthiya added that “Oman Exports”, the Ministry's export development initiative, provides direct logistical and organisational support to help participating companies convert business meetings and commercial opportunities into actual export deals.
The participation is also expected to strengthen business networks, connect Omani manufacturers with international importers and distributors, and open new distribution channels for locally manufactured food products. It will provide an opportunity to showcase the quality, diversity and competitive advantages of Omani products in overseas markets.
Oman's participation forms part of the 2026 programme of Oman Exports and supports the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion's broader efforts to expand non-oil exports, strengthen domestic industries and increase the private sector's contribution to economic growth.
The initiative is aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the 2025–2030 Development Plan for Non-Oil Omani-Origin Exports, aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of national products and broadening Oman's export base.