MUSCAT: Oman’s re-exports rose 13.6 per cent to about RO 1.14 billion in the first half of 2026, while wholesale and retail trade output increased 5 per cent, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The wholesale and retail trade sector’s contribution to gross domestic product at current prices reached about RO 1.735 billion, compared with the same period of 2025.
Foreign investment in the trade sector increased 9.7 per cent to about RO 305.3 million, the data showed
Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said the figures reflected continued expansion in commercial activity.
She said improving the business environment and making commercial services more efficient would support investment and trade flows and strengthen Oman’s links with regional and international markets.
The growth in re-exports showed greater use of the country’s commercial and logistics infrastructure, including ports, airports and land crossings, she said.
The ministry is coordinating with relevant entities to facilitate trade through these entry points, simplify import, export and re-export procedures, and improve the integration of government services provided to businesses.
It is also developing regulations governing commercial activity and digitising services through the Oman Business platform.
The ministry said these measures were intended to reduce the time and effort required to complete transactions, improve services for investors and traders, and support e-commerce and competition.
It described the increase in foreign investment as an indication of the trade sector’s attractiveness and said it was working to connect investors with available opportunities.
These efforts include drawing on the facilities offered by economic, free and industrial zones, together with Oman’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
The ministry is also coordinating with government and private sector entities to address challenges faced by traders and exporters and improve the movement of exports and re-exports.
It said the first-half indicators showed closer links between commercial activity, investment and foreign trade, with re-exports supporting economic diversification and Oman’s development as a centre for trade and logistics. — ONA
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