MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman and Tunisia have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic and investment relations following the Omani-Tunisian Economic Forum held recently in Tunis. The high-level forum underscored the shared desire of both countries to expand trade, stimulate joint investment and build long-term partnerships that support economic diversification and sustainable growth.
The Omani delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. It included Hilal bin Abdullah al Sinani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Tunisia, Rashid bin Amer al Musallahi, First Vice Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as officials and private sector representatives. The forum provided a platform for direct engagement between policymakers and business leaders from both sides, aimed at translating political goodwill into tangible economic cooperation.
Several memoranda of understanding were signed during the forum to strengthen commercial ties. These included a partnership agreement between Al-Zaytouna Oils Company and Karim & Nawaf Trading Company, in addition to an agreement to establish a joint Omani-Tunisian company focusing on business development and investment in tourism, industry, food security and other sectors aligned with diversification priorities. The agreements are expected to support the creation of joint ventures and facilitate the exchange of expertise between companies in both countries.
The visit sought to increase bilateral trade and expand joint investments, with discussions highlighting opportunities in industry, logistics, food processing and pharmaceuticals. The delegation held meetings with senior Tunisian officials, including Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development, where mechanisms to facilitate market access and boost exports were explored. Talks also focused on enabling Omani products to enter Tunisian markets while enhancing the presence of Tunisian goods in Oman.
Further discussions were held with Samir Abdelhafidh, Minister of Economy and Planning, on Tunisia’s economic reform agenda and investment promotion strategies, as well as with Fatma Thabet Chiboub, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, to identify opportunities in manufacturing, mining and renewable energy. These engagements reflected a shared interest in developing value-added sectors and establishing industrial partnerships that benefit both economies.
Speaking at the forum, Al Yousef said economic relations between Oman and Tunisia are experiencing sustained growth. He noted that the volume of trade exchange reached RO 5.19 million in the first half of 2025, compared to RO 3.21 million during the same period in 2024, representing an increase of more than 61 per cent. Tunisian investment in the Sultanate of Oman also rose from RO 4.9 million in 2023 to RO 7.2 million by the end of 2024. Al Yousef highlighted renewable energy, manufacturing, technology, logistics and agriculture as promising sectors for future cooperation, stressing the alignment between Tunisia’s reform programme and Oman Vision 2040.
The programme also included meetings with key private sector institutions, including the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts and the Arab Institute of Business Leaders, as well as field visits to industrial and pharmaceutical facilities. These visits offered the Omani delegation insights into Tunisia’s industrial capabilities and investment environment, reinforcing the potential for deeper economic integration. Both sides expressed confidence that the forum marks a new phase in Omani-Tunisian economic relations, paving the way for stronger, mutually beneficial partnerships in the years ahead. — ONA
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