Beijing: The Omani delegation was headed by His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Trade and Industry, while the Chinese side was led by His Excellency Zhang Li, Assistant Minister at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The meeting reviewed mechanisms to boost bilateral trade volumes and strengthen integration into global supply chains, in line with the long-term strategic interests of both countries.

During the session, both sides agreed on a series of practical measures, including the formation of a dedicated Omani-Chinese working group to develop an executive roadmap for the joint committee’s future work. China was also encouraged to expand its industrial investments in Sultanate of Oman, supporting economic diversification efforts, alongside plans to sign new memoranda of understanding to link industrial production chains and enhance investment cooperation.

The committee reviewed progress on negotiations for a free trade agreement between People’s Republic of China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting that the agreement would help raise levels of economic and investment cooperation, facilitate smoother trade flows, and promote deeper regional market integration.

A key proposal discussed was the establishment of an integrated industrial complex for renewable energy supply chains. The project was described as a qualitative initiative that reflects the depth of Oman–China economic relations and opens new horizons for cooperation in high value-added sectors.

H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan said economic relations between the two countries continue to record steady growth, underscoring Oman’s keenness to expand cooperation in advanced industry, technology and renewable energy. He highlighted the importance of leveraging China’s expertise in these fields to support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and enhance the resilience of global supply chains.

The meeting was attended by Minister Plenipotentiary Ali bin Khalfan Al-Hasani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Omani Embassy in China, along with officials from both sides.

On the sidelines of the session, H.E. Dr. Saleh held bilateral talks with Zhang Li, during which they explored ways to further strengthen economic cooperation. Discussions included opportunities in cross-border e-commerce through the establishment of smart warehouses and distribution centres in special economic and free zones in Duqm, Sohar and Salalah, reinforcing Oman’s role as a digital gateway for Chinese goods to regional markets. The two sides also agreed to form a joint working group focused on trade, investment and digital trade.

As part of the visit, H.E. Dr. Saleh toured the Xiong’an International Trade Center in Hebei Province to review global best practices in managing integrated commercial cities and smart economic zones. He also visited Sinochem Group, the world’s largest chemical conglomerate, to explore industrial investment opportunities and present Oman’s priorities in key sectors.

According to official figures, direct Chinese investment in Oman reached approximately RO 854 million by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Trade data for the end of 2024 showed Omani merchandise imports from China exceeding RO 1.8 billion, accounting for about 11 per cent of Oman’s total imports, while non-oil Omani exports to China surpassed RO 216 million, highlighting the growing scale and diversification of bilateral trade.