MUSCAT – Oman and Austria discussed ways to boost trade, investment and private sector cooperation across a range of economic sectors at an Omani–Austrian Business Meeting held in Muscat on Tuesday, organisers said.

The meeting, organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), brought together business leaders from both countries to explore cooperation opportunities in healthcare, construction, water treatment, consultancy services, glass manufacturing, sustainability and technology.

The event was attended by Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, OCCI Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, members of the chamber’s board, and business representatives from Oman and Austria. It was held at the Crowne Plaza Al Irfan hotel in Muscat.

Al Rawas said the visit of the Austrian trade delegation reflected the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening economic, trade and investment relations.

“Omani–Austrian relations have, over decades, been characterised by mutual respect and understanding and have witnessed gradual development across various fields,” he said, adding that political and economic stability in both countries, coupled with a clear vision for sustainable development, had expanded opportunities for private sector cooperation.

He said the timing of the business meeting was particularly important given global economic shifts and the growing need for genuine partnerships based on knowledge transfer, value chain development and joint investments.

Al Rawas added that the meeting offered a platform for businesses to explore cooperation in both traditional sectors and future-oriented industries aligned with Oman Vision 2040, reiterating OCCI’s commitment to supporting private sector-led development.

Meinl-Reisinger said Oman was a promising economic partner in the region, citing its strategic geographic location linking Asian, African and Gulf markets, as well as its economic stability and long-term development vision.

She said Oman Vision 2040 provided broad opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment, particularly in industry, energy and tourism, and expressed Austria’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Omani private sector companies.

The Austrian minister also said a planned direct flight between Muscat and Vienna would help facilitate business and tourism flows, bringing business communities in both countries closer and supporting deeper economic partnerships.

On the sidelines of the meeting, OCCI organised bilateral business-to-business meetings between Omani and Austrian companies to discuss potential partnerships, joint investments and knowledge exchange aimed at building sustainable commercial relations between the two sides.