Salalah: The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025, which began on Thursday in Salalah, focused on deepening overall strategic cooperation and expanding collaboration and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China.
The conference was held under the subject of "Chinese Modernization and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals. " It was an effort led by the Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, with the involvement of many officials, professionals, and experts from both countries.
HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar, opened the conference by congratulating several presenters and attendees.
In his speech, Hatim Hamad Al Tai, the forum's Secretary-General and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, stated that the forum serves as a forum for increasing conversation, fostering mutual trust between the two countries, and identifying new avenues for collaboration that are consistent with the shared potential and goals of Oman and China.
Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, stated during his speech that the forum provides a great chance to share experience and investigate potential investment areas that support both countries' development goals. He noted that Oman Vision 2040 offers a strategy for a broad economic and structural change.
Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, lauded the strong historical bonds between the two countries, which date back over 1,200 years. He stated that diplomatic links, since their start in 1978, have enjoyed consistent and fruitful cooperation built on equality and mutual respect.
He stated that the People's Republic of China is Oman's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth USD 36. 7 billion in 2024. The People's Republic of China is Oman's third-largest investor.
The Ambassador emphasized important joint initiatives, such as the launch of the first Omani satellite, energy sector investments, and training programs that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis. He also stated that trade between the People's Republic of China and GCC countries totaled USD 288 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments increasing by more than 30% in the first half of 2025. He advocated greater cultural and humanitarian collaboration, as well as direct flights between the two nations.
Dr. Khalid Salim Al Saidi, Chairman of the OmanChina Friendship Association, described the organization as an important link in promoting ties between the two countries. He underlined that its mission has expanded beyond merely arranging events to creating cultural bridges, humanitarian comprehension, and informal collaboration efforts based on common values and mutual interests.
Furthermore, Naif Hamed Fadhil, Director of the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underlined the significance of the event in promoting closer relations between business leaders in both nations. He emphasized the importance of allowing bilateral investments in the sectors of energy, technology, industry, infrastructure, and tourism, as well as creating more sustainable and effective cooperation models.
The forum focused on four key themes: Chinese Modernization and Oman Vision 2040, Energy Sector Cooperation, Innovation and Technology Partnerships, and Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange.
The event also included a photo exhibition in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Oman, as well as direct bilateral meetings (B2B) between business executives from both nations to promote collaboration and investment prospects.
Over 30 business owners and representatives from Omani and Chinese enterprises attended the event, which featured a unique exhibition for participating Chinese firms. The current session of the forum aimed to cement the strategic relationship between the two nations and explore new areas of cooperation that help Oman Vision 2040 goals by leveraging the People's Republic of China's expertise in economic and social modernization.
