MUSCAT : Sohar International has signed two strategic Memoranda of Understanding with E Fund HK and Templewater during the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, translating the Bank’s new on-the-ground presence in Asia Pacific into practical channels for cross-border investment. The agreements connect Sohar International’s regional banking, asset management and capital markets capabilities with two established investment platforms in Asia Pacific, expanding access to international opportunities for eligible clients while creating new routes for capital from Asia Pacific and enabling institutions and businesses across the region to engage with Oman.

The agreements formed part of the bank’s participation in the 11th Belt and Road Summit with attendance of Said Mohamed Al-Aufi, Chairman of Sohar International, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 9 and 10 September 2026 alongside delegates from the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). Through its presence at the exhibition, Sohar International promoted its newly opened Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong and highlighted how its banking, advisory and investment capabilities can connect opportunities across Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region with clients and partners in Oman. The Summit activity coincided with the official opening of Sohar International’s Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong, the first presence of an Omani bank in Hong Kong and Sohar International’s first office in Asia Pacific. The opening ceremony at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong brought together senior government and business representatives from Oman and Hong Kong.

Commenting on the agreements, Mr Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said, “Our Hong Kong presence is designed to turn stronger market access into practical opportunities for our clients and partners. While the reciprocal arrangement with E Fund HK creates a two-way route for investment products and capital markets opportunities, the Templewater framework can connect eligible clients with alternative investment, co-investment and project-finance opportunities, Together, these agreements strengthen our ability to attract capital and expertise into Oman, while helping Omani clients and institutions build stronger relationships across the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asia Pacific region.”

The MoU with E Fund HK was signed on behalf of Sohar International by Mr Khalil Salim Al Hedaifi, Acting Chief Wholesale Banking Officer, and on behalf of E Fund HK by Ms Xue WANG, CEO, E Fund HK. E Fund Management (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd (‘E Fund HK’) was established in 2008 and is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to conduct Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities. E Fund HK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of E Fund Management Co., Ltd (‘E Fund’). As the international business platform of E Fund, E Fund HK provides asset management services in fixed income, equity, index and alternative investment for investors all over the world. Its award-winning products have been recognized by leading institutions such as Morningstar, Lipper, Asian Investor and Benchmark.

Established in 2001, E-Fund Management Co., Ltd. describes itself as China’s largest mutual fund manager, with approximately US$638 billion under management as of 30 June 2026 and more than 400 China-focused investment professionals. The reciprocal arrangement positions Sohar International as E Fund HK’s exclusive partner in Oman. Sohar International will market E Fund HK’s investment products through its Asset Management and Origination & Placement businesses, while E Fund HK will introduce the Bank’s investment and capital markets offerings to its client network in China.

The MoU with Templewater was signed on behalf of Sohar International by Mr Aziz Mohamed Al Jahdhami, Chief International Business and Private Banking Officer, and on behalf of Templewater by Dr. Yufeng WAN, Partner and Head of Technology Investment. Templewater is a private equity investor and alternative asset manager operating across Asia Pacific, with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Muscat and Seoul and approximately US$2.5 billion in assets under management. The framework covers investment opportunities for eligible Sohar International clients, potential co-investments and project-financing opportunities, as well as banking services for Templewater portfolio companies operating in Oman. It also gives the Bank and its clients access to Templewater’s sector expertise across artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, robotics and intelligent manufacturing, semiconductors and advanced materials, mobility, and energy-transition technologies.

Together, the office opening, the Bank’s exhibition presence and the two MoUs establish a practical platform for long-term engagement between Oman and Asia Pacific. The new Hong Kong presence will help Sohar International develop institutional relationships and market intelligence closer to the source, promote investment and business opportunities in Oman, and support Omani clients seeking connections across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asia Pacific region.

The activity supports Oman Vision 2040 priorities for private-sector growth, international cooperation and greater integration with the global economy. It also advances Sohar International’s role in bringing international capital, expertise and opportunity to Oman while connecting Omani businesses, investors and institutions with markets around the world.