
Oman-India economic ties strengthened through investment dialogue
NEW DELHI: A high-level delegation from the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) visited India to enhance economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India. Led by Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, the delegation engaged with key Indian industries and institutions to foster bilateral trade and knowledge exchange. During their visit, the delegation toured major industrial hubs, including Jindal Iron and Steel Group's facilities in Angul, where they observed advanced steel production processes. They also visited OP Jindal International University to explore academic programmes, research centres and industry collaborations that could support Oman's human capital development.
As part of the visit, OPAZ co-organised a business forum with the Embassy of Oman in India, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The event attracted more than 80 Indian companies from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, medical products and energy.
Speaking at the forum, Al Dheeb emphasised India's strategic role as a key investment partner for Oman. 'Special economic zones and free zones are critical in driving investment and strengthening economic ties between our nations,' he stated. 'This visit is an opportunity to showcase Oman's investment potential and attract new business partnerships.'
The Omani delegation presented investment opportunities across OPAZ-managed zones, highlighting incentives available to foreign investors. Additionally, the Omani House of Law Office provided an overview of Oman's legal and regulatory framework for investors.
Al Dheeb reiterated the importance of leveraging Oman's special economic zones to attract Indian investments. 'By fostering cross-border collaboration, we can enhance industrial growth and create new economic opportunities for both nations,' he added.
This visit reinforces Oman's commitment to strengthening economic partnerships with India, leveraging trade, investment and knowledge exchange to drive sustainable growth. — ONA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Capital markets key to Oman Vision 2040
MUSCAT: A key conference spotlighting Oman's Capital Market opened here yesterday, Thursday, June 12, under the auspices of Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy. The 'Oman Capital Market' conference was organised by the Gulf Cooperation Market Association (GCMA) in collaboration with Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), and financial firm State Street. In his opening remarks, Faisal al Nabhani, Managing Director and Country Lead of Oman and Qatar - State Street, highlighted the significance of the conference. "As the GCC continues to attract global clients, talent, and innovation, the role of capital markets becomes ever more critical. From renewable energy and logistics to the data economy, the GCC is poised to lead in the industries of tomorrow. Capital markets will be an enabler, enhancing liquidity, improving resource allocation, and accelerating the transition to a more diversified and resilient economic model,' he shared. Al Nabhani further added: "(This conference) is a platform to share insights, explore opportunities, and shape the future of capital markets individually.' Haitham bin Salem al Salmi, CEO – MSX, speaking at the conference Haitham bin Salem al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer of MSX, highlighted the significant role capital markets play in actualising Oman Vision 2040, '(Oman) is (moving) towards a more diversified economy. (The government is) more focused on raising direct foreign investments in Oman and, of course, partnering with the private sector. With these three main pillars, we understand that the capital market is the right venue for such partnerships and for initiatives that will support Oman Vision 2040.' He added that recent IPO activity signalled a growing momentum in the market. 'With a clear pipeline from the government to divest — having five major divestments and IPOs in the country — that has created a market cap that touched RO 28.40 billion currently. This has been a key driver, bringing more activity, with trading values close to RO 700 million from the new IPOs alone. We believe that we have (demonstrated) a major impact and clear proof that Oman's capital market is well-equipped to absorb opportunities, finance projects and provide exit tools for investors as well,' he shared. The one-day conference also included addresses on local, regional and global economics, along with an overview of the current landscape. Additionally, it included three main panel discussions highlighting topics such as the future vision of Oman's Capital Market, debt finance for Omani companies, and opportunities within a regional capital market.


Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman advances plans for national semiconductor industry
MUSCAT: Marking a key step in its bid to penetrate the global trillion-dollar semiconductor industry, Oman is preparing to commission an international consultant to chart a strategy for developing a comprehensive ecosystem to support the growth of a domestic semiconductor sector. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology – which is spearheading the establishment of this sector as part of the broader digital economy – invited qualified consultants to bid for an advisory services contract linked to this initiative. In addition to formulating a blueprint for the establishment of an integrated ecosystem around semiconductor production, the selected consultant will also be required to assist in the development of a Centre of Excellence for Semiconductors and Electronic Chips in Oman. The consultant's scope of work encompasses, among other requirements, the creation of a master plan and a road map for building an end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem in the country. As part of its remit, the consultancy firm will also study and provide recommendations on the following key areas: Training & Skills Development, Research & Development, Partnership and Network Development, Facility Design and Equipment Planning, and Operational and Financial Sustainability. Additionally, the company will be responsible for overseeing the rollout of the Centre of Excellence, which will be tasked with attracting FDI into the semiconductor production value chain, facilitating the inflow of technological know-how, creating opportunities for semiconductor design and testing, enabling digital innovation in this strategic industry, and supporting localisation and job creation. Already, the building blocks of a nascent semiconductor sector are being put in place in Oman. Earlier this year, the Omani government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AONH Private Holdings, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, to explore the establishment of an advanced AI-based semiconductor chip manufacturing plant in Salalah. The proposed facility is expected to contribute to the development of national expertise in semiconductor design and manufacturing, create new business opportunities for Omani youth, and attract international talent from leading semiconductor nations such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. This initiative will support the transfer of global expertise and the localisation of advanced semiconductor technologies in Oman. Sovereign wealth fund Oman Investment Authority is also playing a pivotal role in the development of this vital sector. Its ICT investment arm, ITHCA Group, has acquired a strategic stake in the US-based semiconductor design and services company GSME, which has established an advanced chip design and development lab in Muscat. GSME Oman is supporting the training of a national cadre of young Omanis, who have already successfully designed the first Omani microchips. Also boding well for the growth of a competitive semiconductor industry in Oman is a 100,000-tonnes-per-annum capacity polysilicon project currently under construction at Sohar Freezone, at a cost of $1.6 billion. Promoted by Oman-based United Solar Holding Inc, the project is expected to supply critical raw materials for, among other industries, semiconductor manufacturing in Oman. Over the past two years, a number of major international players have expressed interest in Oman's potential as a hub for semiconductor production. In 2023, the Omani government hosted a high-level delegation from South Korea's SK Hynix Inc, the world's second-largest semiconductor company. Separately, a delegation representing four prominent companies from Taiwan's semiconductor sector – ULVAC Taiwan Inc, MSScorps Co, Ltd, eMemory Technology Inc, and Global Unichip Corp – visited Oman last December. Caption: Oman is preparing to commission an international consultant to chart a strategy for developing a comprehensive ecosystem to support the growth of a domestic semiconductor sector


Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
UK-bound Air India flight with 242 aboard crashes in western India
Ahmedabad – A London-bound Air India passenger flight carrying 242 people crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, local authorities said. The aircraft went down in a residential area of Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, after departing at 1.39 p.m. local time (0809GMT). Emergency services rushed to the scene, and fears of casualties remain high, though officials have not confirmed any numbers yet. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. According to the DGCA, the aircraft issued a Mayday call to the air traffic control (ATC) shortly after takeoff but did not respond to further communications. Air India confirmed the crash, stating that Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, was involved in 'an incident' after departing Ahmedabad. Of 242 people aboard, the airliner said 169 were Indian nationals, plus 53 UK citizens, seven from Portugal and one was from Canada, in addition to two pilots and 10 cabin crew. The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry said it has established an Operational Control Room to coordinate all details. Massive rescue and relief operations are going on and authorities have deployed personnel to clear the debris, while the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has closed all its operations in the wake of the crash. Gatwick Airport officials said the aircraft had been scheduled to land in London at 6.25 pm local time (1825GMT). Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed 'profound sorrow' over the crash. 'Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families,' he said in a statement. 'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and provide all necessary support and care.' Indian lawmaker Yusuf Pathan called the crash 'shocking' and offered prayers for the safety of those onboard. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the crash was 'devastating.' 'My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,' he said on X. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also 'deep sadness' over the plane crash. 'The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,' Lammy said on X.