Oman-China Forum 2025 Explores Stronger Trade and Cooperation

Photo: Oman News Agency

The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025 began in Salalah, a city in southern Oman. This important event focused on making the relationship between Oman and China stronger. The main goals were to increase investment, support each other’s growth plans, and deepen the friendship between the two countries.

This forum brought together many leaders, experts, and officials from both Oman and China. It was held under the title: "Chinese Modernization and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals." The event was organized by Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association.

Governor of Dhofar Inaugurates the Forum

His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar, opened the event. He welcomed the participants and congratulated the speakers. His presence showed the importance Oman gives to its relationship with China and its goals to grow together through shared efforts.

A Platform to Share Ideas and Build Trust

Hatim Hamad Al Tai, the Secretary-General of the forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, spoke at the event. He said the forum is a space where Oman and China can talk openly, build trust, and plan joint efforts. He mentioned that both countries have many opportunities to work together, and this forum helps turn those ideas into real projects.

Oman Vision 2040 as a Shared Path

Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, said that the forum is a great chance to share knowledge and explore business opportunities. He explained that Oman Vision 2040 is a clear plan for Oman’s future. It aims to change Oman’s economy, improve industries, and build stronger international relationships.

He added that by working with China, Oman can learn new methods and improve faster, especially in areas like trade, technology, and energy.

China Highlights Longstanding Ties

Lyu Jian, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Oman, also gave a speech. He said that Oman and China have had a good relationship for over 1,200 years. Since they officially started diplomatic relations in 1978, both countries have worked together in peace and friendship.

He shared that China is now Oman’s biggest trade partner, with trade between the two reaching USD 36.7 billion in 2024. Also, China is the third-largest investor in Oman. These numbers show how close and important the partnership has become.

Key Joint Projects Shared

The Chinese Ambassador mentioned several important joint projects. These include:

• The launch of the first Omani satellite,

• Large energy sector investments, and

• Training programs that helped over 1,200 Omanis gain new skills.

He also noted that trade between China and all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was USD 288 billion in 2024, and Chinese investments in the Gulf have grown by more than 30% in the first half of 2025.

The Ambassador suggested that Oman and China should also work more closely in culture and human development, including starting direct flights between the two countries.

Role of the Friendship Association

Dr. Khalid Salim Al Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said that the association plays a big role in making the relationship stronger. He explained that the group does more than hold events—it helps build cultural understanding, humanitarian connections, and informal cooperation between people in both countries.

He also said that shared values and goals help make this relationship not just official, but also friendly and people-centered.

Support from Local Business Leaders

Naif Hamed Fadhil, Head of the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also spoke at the forum. He said that the event is very helpful for business owners in both countries. He encouraged both sides to invest more in:

• Energy,

• Technology,

• Industry,

• Logistics, and

• Tourism.

He called for sustainable cooperation models, which means long-term partnerships that benefit both sides equally.

Main Topics of the Forum

The forum included four important discussion themes:

1. Chinese Modernization and Oman Vision 2040 – how both countries can align their growth paths.

2. Cooperation in the Energy Sector – including oil, gas, and renewable energy.

3. Partnership in Innovation and Technology – such as artificial intelligence, digital tools, and manufacturing.

4. Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange – building better people-to-people connections through education, art, and shared history.

These topics were chosen to cover the areas where Oman and China can work together for mutual success.

Special Photo and Business Exhibitions

As part of the forum, there was a photo exhibition in partnership with the Chinese Embassy in Oman. This exhibition showcased memories, achievements, and shared projects between the two nations. It helped visitors see the history and progress of the relationship in pictures.

The forum also included direct meetings between businesspeople from both countries. These business-to-business (B2B) meetings were arranged to talk about specific partnership ideas, especially in trade and investment.

Wide Business Participation

More than 30 business owners and company representatives from Oman and China took part in the forum. Chinese companies also showcased their work and services in a special exhibition. This gave local businesses in Oman a chance to learn about Chinese products, technologies, and ways of working.

The event helped build stronger links between the private sectors of both countries, which is a key part of making the overall partnership more effective and long-lasting.

Focus on Future Cooperation

The 2025 forum focused on making the Oman-China relationship even stronger in the future. By learning from each other and working together, both nations hope to reach their development goals. For Oman, this means success with Vision 2040. For China, it means continuing its progress in modernization and international partnerships.

The forum showed that both countries want a relationship based on respect, equality, and benefit for all. The event in Salalah was not only a celebration of friendship but also a strong step toward new joint achievements in the years to come.