Muscat: The Oman-Italy Business Forum, organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Sunday, considered ways to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between Oman and Italy, with a focus on infrastructure, railway engineering, construction, manufacturing, energy systems and development finance.
The forum was attended by OCCI Director En Hussein bin Hassan Abdul Hussein and Italian Ambassador to Oman Pierluigi Delia. Business leaders and investors from both countries gathered at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry headquarters in Muscat.
En-Hussein Abdul-Hussein said the forum reflected the strength of bilateral relations and a common commitment to expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation. He noted that relations between the two countries have steadily developed in recent years, as highlighted by the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Oman last month at the invitation of His Majesty King Haitham bin Tariq, which further strengthened economic and trade cooperation.
Trade exchanges between Oman and Italy will reach approximately 440 million euros in 2025, of which approximately 80 million euros will be exported from Oman and approximately 360 million euros will be imported from Italy. Approximately 80,607 Italian tourists visited Oman annually, reflecting the growth in tourism and cultural exchange. Italian companies continue to expand their presence in Oman across sectors such as mining, industry, real estate development, oil and gas, and logistics, supported by the Italian Trade Agency office in Muscat and Oman Air’s direct flights to Milan and Rome.
The Ambassador described the forum as an important step to deepen partnerships and explore new opportunities in priority sectors, noting that Italian companies see Oman as a stable and attractive investment destination, supported by a clear economic vision, a modern regulatory framework and a strategic location as a regional logistics hub. He highlighted Italy’s expertise in railway engineering, advanced infrastructure and energy systems, which could support Oman’s major national projects.
The forum featured an “Investing in Oman” presentation outlining Oman’s investment incentives and single window platform that brings together more than 22 public and private entities with support from the National Negotiation Team and Investor Relations Manager. He also highlighted Oman’s strategic position connecting GCC, Asian and African markets, high credit rating and growth in non-oil exports.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s presentation highlighted investment opportunities in transport and logistics, including smart mobility initiatives, green hydrogen refueling infrastructure, electric transport projects, the use of biofuels in maritime operations, and shore-to-ship power systems to reduce emissions. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals also highlighted investment prospects for the mining sector in 2025.
On the sidelines, business delegations from both countries held bilateral meetings to explore partnerships, exchange expertise and identify opportunities for joint projects aimed at expanding economic cooperation.
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