MUSCAT : Organised by the North Al Batinah branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the two-day forum is being held in the Wilayat of Sohar with wide international participation from decision-makers, investors, and business leaders representing more than 30 countries.

The forum was inaugurated under the patronage of His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, in the presence of senior officials from the public and private sectors.

Delivering the keynote address, Her Excellency Ibtisam bint Ahmed Al Farouji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, highlighted ongoing government efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Oman’s investment environment. She pointed to legislative reforms, investment incentives, and the pivotal role of economic and industrial zones in achieving economic diversification goals.

She noted that the next phase will focus on streamlining investor procedures, accelerating digital transformation in services, and strengthening public-private partnerships to create sustainable investment opportunities and reinforce Oman’s position as a regional business hub.

For his part, His Excellency Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said the Sohar Investment Forum represents a vital platform for linking promising opportunities with local and international investors, particularly in light of the rapid development of industrial and logistics infrastructure in North Al Batinah.

He added that the forum reflects the Chamber’s role in empowering the private sector, opening direct channels of communication with global partners, and showcasing Sohar’s competitive advantages and its free and industrial zones.

Engineer Saeed bin Ali Al-Abri, Chairman of the North Al Batinah branch of OCCI and Chairman of the Forum’s Organising Committee, said the governorate offers an integrated economic model based on the synergy between Sohar Port, the free zone, industrial areas, and advanced infrastructure. He noted that companies from nearly 50 countries are currently operating in Sohar, reflecting strong international confidence in the investment climate.

He highlighted Sohar Port’s extensive maritime connectivity to more than 500 ports worldwide, supported by a modern road network and the planned railway link with the UAE, reinforcing Sohar’s role as a regional logistics hub.

The forum is presenting around 50 investment opportunities valued at approximately RO 300 million across a range of promising sectors. An accompanying exhibition, featuring more than 21 government and private entities, provides a platform for direct engagement between investors and relevant stakeholders.

During the opening day, five agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed. These included a RO 4 million agreement to promote investment in iron and steel manufacturing with Jindal Sohar Iron Company; a RO 1.2 million plastics industry project between OQ Group and Aurum Polymer Solutions; a RO 4 million food-sector factory with Al Baraka Food and Investment Company; a RO 3 million metal-processing factory with Al Rahma Metal Industries; and a RO 500,000 waste recycling project with Clear Earth Recycling Company.

The forum also featured two panel discussions focusing on Sohar’s transformation into a smart industrial city, investment readiness, logistics integration, financing mechanisms, sustainability standards, and opportunities in renewable energy and advanced industries.

Participants stressed that balancing smart financing, advanced logistics, and environmental sustainability is essential to enhancing investor confidence and positioning Oman as a competitive, long-term investment destination.

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