MUSCAT: The Oman–India business forum 2026 will be held with the objectives of broadening the base of bilateral economic diversification, strengthening international trade and investment partnerships and opening up new markets and opportunities for Oman’s private sector, on September 9 at The St Regis Muscat.
The Forum, organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) as part of its strategic efforts in bolstering bilateral relations, will bring together business leaders, investors, policymakers and institutions from the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India, leveraging the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries to translate its benefits into tangible opportunities across trade, services and investments, according to the OCCI.
“The Oman–India CEPA was signed in Muscat on December 18, 2025 and entered into force on June 1, 2026. The draft concept identifies it as Oman’s first bilateral trade agreement in nearly two decades and India’s second CEPA in the GCC. The agreement also strengthens cooperation in investment, customs facilitation, digital trade and intellectual property, while enhancing professional mobility and allowing up to 100% foreign ownership in key services”, a spokesperson from the OCCI said.
The Forum will also aim to promote awareness of the Oman–India CEPA and explain how businesses can practically benefit from tariff preferences, rules of origin, services access and mobility, besides showcasing concrete trade and investment opportunities in Oman, including free zones, logistics, manufacturing, food security, mining, tourism, ICT and renewable energy, alongside Omani export opportunities to India. It will also facilitate high-quality B2B networking and matchmaking leading to partnerships, agencies and joint ventures and make efforts to position Oman as a natural gateway for Indian companies into GCC, East African and US markets, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and provide an accompanying platform for Omani products, industries and culture through a Made in Oman showcase.
Dr James J Nedumpara Professor & Head, Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) will deliver a keynote on ‘Unlocking the Potential of the Oman–India CEPA’ while Dr Yousuf Hamed al Balushi, Founder & Managing Director, will deliver a keynote on Smart Investment Gateway deliver his keynote on ‘Oman as an Investment Destination for Indian Companies — Leveraging CEPA and Oman’s FTA with the United States’.
A host of delegates from various sectors of the Sultanate of Oman including His Highness Dr Adham bin Turki al Said, Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Ibtisam al Farooji, Pankaj Khimji, P Mohamed Ali, Founder of Galfar Engineering & Contracting Co, Leaders of FICCI, CII, Indian Business Councils in Oman and prominent Indian industrial groups active in Oman, CEOs and senior officials of Invest Oman, Madayn, OPAZ and ASYAD Group are expected to be part of the Forum.
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