Muscat: The Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum, organized by Al Roya Newspaper, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, gathered specialists and experts to explore the determinants of bilateral cooperation. The forum, titled “New Tracks of Cooperation Pave the Way for a Common Future,” emphasized the importance of historical relations as a foundation for future prosperity.

HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, graced the event as the chief guest. Hatim Hamad Al Ta’ee, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Roya Newspaper, highlighted the impressive commercial exchange between Oman and China, which has surpassed the $40.45 billion mark. He also noted that Chinese investments in Oman are more than $6.6 billion, with a significant 76% concentrated in the energy and petrochemicals sector.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Oman underscored Salalah’s historical significance in Omani-Chinese relations. He reminisced about the ancient Maritime Silk Road, where Chinese navigator Zheng He visited Salalah 600 years ago, facilitating the exchange of Chinese silk and porcelain for Omani frankincense and spices.

The forum highlighted the accelerating economic, commercial, and investment cooperation between the two countries. China remains Oman’s largest trading partner and the biggest importer of Omani crude oil. From January to May 2024, the volume of bilateral commercial exchange reached over $15 billion, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The Chinese official also mentioned the ongoing major projects in Oman, spanning new energy, mining, electricity generation, information technology, and communications.