BEIJING: Oman and China have taken further steps to strengthen their strategic economic partnership, with both sides reviewing a proposal to establish an integrated industrial complex dedicated to renewable energy supply chains. The proposal was discussed during the 10th session of the Omani-Chinese Joint Committee, held in Beijing, as part of wider efforts to expand cooperation in trade, investment and industrial development and to deepen integration into global value chains.
The Omani delegation was headed by Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, while the Chinese side was led by Zhang Li, Assistant Minister of Commerce. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in priority economic sectors, increasing trade volumes and supporting industrial partnerships that align with the development objectives of both countries.
A key outcome of the meeting was agreement to establish an Omani-Chinese working group tasked with preparing an executive road map to guide the work of the Joint Committee in the next phase. The two sides also explored practical measures to encourage the expansion of Chinese industrial investments in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly projects that support economic diversification, technology transfer and value-added manufacturing.
Participants discussed plans to sign several memoranda of understanding aimed at linking industrial production chains and strengthening investment cooperation. These agreements are expected to facilitate closer collaboration between companies in both countries, improve supply chain connectivity and support the integration of Omani industries into regional and global markets.
The committee also reviewed progress in negotiations towards a free trade agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Once concluded, such an agreement is expected to raise the level of economic, trade and investment cooperation, increase the flow of goods and services; and enhance regional market integration with major global economies.
During the session, the proposal to establish an integrated industrial complex for renewable energy supply chains was highlighted as a landmark initiative. The project is seen as reflecting the depth of the economic partnership between Oman and China, while opening new opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and other future-oriented, value-added sectors with strong growth potential.
Dr Masan said economic relations between Oman and China are witnessing steady development, reflecting the strength of the strategic partnership between the two countries. He stressed Oman’s commitment to expanding cooperation in value-added sectors and to benefitting from China’s extensive experience in advanced industries, modern technologies and renewable energy solutions. Such cooperation, he noted, supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and contributes to strengthening the resilience and stability of global supply chains.
The meeting was attended by Minister Plenipotentiary Ali bin Khalfan al Hasani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to the People’s Republic of China, along with a number of senior officials from both sides.
On the sidelines of the Joint Committee meeting, Dr Masan held bilateral talks with Zhang Li on ways to deepen economic cooperation and broaden the partnership. These discussions included opportunities in cross-border e-commerce, particularly through establishing smart warehouses and distribution centres in Oman’s special economic zones and free zones in Al Duqm, Suhar and Salalah, positioning Oman as a digital and logistics gateway to regional markets.
The two sides also reviewed investment and manufacturing opportunities in Oman in sectors with regional and global demand, leveraging free trade agreements and efforts to develop integrated value chains. It was agreed to form a joint working group focused on trade, investment and digital commerce to ensure effective implementation.
As part of the visit, Dr Masan toured the Xiong’an International Trade Centre in Hebei Province and visited Sinochem Group to explore industrial cooperation opportunities and present Oman’s investment prospects. Chinese direct investment in Oman reached around RO 854 million by mid-2025, while imports from China exceeded RO 1.8 billion in 2024 and non-oil exports to China surpassed RO 216 million. — ONA
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