Oman courts China after 325 investment deals lift zone commitments to OMR22.4 billion

Oman and China are exploring closer investment ties across special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, as the Gulf state looks to attract more Chinese capital into its growing industrial and logistics network.

Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousuf, chairman of Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), met a delegation from China’s Hainan province in Muscat to discuss potential investment opportunities and areas of cooperation, according to the Oman News Agency.

The Chinese delegation was led by Bateer, executive vice governor of Hainan province. No investment commitments, agreements, or project timelines were announced following the meeting.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between economic zones and ports, developing specialized industrial clusters, and exchanging expertise in managing and developing economic zones.

The two sides also discussed ways to deepen ties between Omani and Chinese business communities and to promote investment opportunities for Chinese companies across sectors overseen by OPAZ.

According to the Oman News Agency, the discussions aimed to attract “quality investments,” strengthen industrial integration, and support the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies.

OPAZ also presented its portfolio of special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, highlighting Oman’s ports, airports, infrastructure, strategic location, and access to regional and international markets.

The talks come as Oman accelerates efforts to position its economic zones as engines of foreign investment and economic diversification.

Investment commitments across areas overseen by OPAZ reached OMR 22.4 billion in 2025, up 6.8% from the previous year. More than OMR 1.4 billion in new investment was added during the year, while 325 investment agreements were signed across various sectors. Around 97% of the additional investment was concentrated in industrial projects.

OPAZ has also been expanding specialized clusters in manufacturing and logistics, including projects spanning aluminium, food and fisheries, mining, renewable energy, and industrial supply chains.

Chinese investors already have a presence in Oman’s economic zones, including projects linked to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, as Muscat seeks to leverage foreign investment to expand higher-value manufacturing and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

The latest discussions with Hainan also fit into Oman’s broader push to deepen regional and international investment links while expanding the infrastructure connecting its industrial zones with major Gulf and global markets.

Both sides agreed to continue coordination, exchange expertise, and explore further opportunities for cooperation between Oman and Hainan Province.