
Omani-Libyan forum seeks to deepen trade, investment ties
Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) hosted the Omani-Libyan Business Forum in Muscat on Tuesday with the aim of strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The event brought together investors, exporters, importers and representatives from various sectors including food security, construction, medical equipment, power generation, information technology, oil services, training and media. The forum is aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises economic diversification and international partnership development.
The forum was attended by Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI Board of Directors and Chairman of its South Batinah Branch; Al Arif al Qajiji, Vice Chairman of Libyan Business Owners Council; and several OCCI members and business leaders.
Saadi said the forum reflects the strong bilateral relations between Oman and Libya and their shared commitment to expanding trade and investment ties. 'The forum embodies the depth of the fraternal relations between Oman and Libya, and reflects our shared commitment to advancing economic and trade cooperation between the public and private sectors in both countries,' he said.
'It offers a strategic platform to expand trade and investment partnerships across vital sectors that drive mutual growth and enhance our economic competitiveness.'
He added that OCCI is committed to creating a supportive environment for exchanging expertise and exploring investment opportunities. 'We hope this forum will lead to agreements and partnerships that serve the common interests of both nations and contribute to their economic development.'
OCCI member Mohammed bin Ali al Gharbi delivered a presentation titled 'Explore the Omani Market' in which he highlighted Oman's stable economic indicators and favourable investment climate. He pointed to the country's strategic location, steady GDP performance and consistent inflow of foreign direct investment as key advantages. He also outlined Oman's main exports, including petroleum pro-ducts, liquefied natural gas, minerals, fish and petrochemicals.
Gharbi said the chamber's focus remains on improving the business environment, supporting diversification and encouraging development across all governorates in line with national development goals.
The forum concluded with bilateral meetings between Omani and Libyan business leaders, where participants discussed joint ventures and shared knowledge on high-potential sectors. It is expected to pave the way for closer trade ties and collaborative investments.
Hashtags

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


Muscat Daily
2 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Kazakhstan strengthen economic ties with new cooperation agreement
Muscat – Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan have forged stronger economic, financial and investment ties, following high-level discussions held during an official visit by an Omani delegation to Astana from May 29 to 30. The delegation, led by Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, included senior representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Tax Authority, and the Oman Investment Authority. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore mutually beneficial opportunities across several strategic sectors. Habsi met with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and conveyed greetings from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, along with his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Kazakh leadership and people. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income and capital. The agreement is expected to enhance transparency and create a more attractive environment for investors from both nations. The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in logistics, mining, and food security – areas identified as having strong potential for joint investment. Opportunities in the financial and oil sectors were also on the agenda, as both countries seek to strengthen their economic frameworks and diversify sources of revenue. Officials noted that the visit reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen economic engagement and lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships in priority sectors.


Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
Oman reaffirms Arabic language use across public and private sectors
Muscat: The Government Communication Centre clarifies that the Council of Ministers has recently directed all units of the State's administrative apparatus, and other relevant public and private legal entities, institutions, and civil associations, to adhere to the mentioned guidelines. The clarification comes in response to a formal directive by the Council of Ministers emphasizing the importance of upholding Arabic as a key element of national identity and a pillar of Oman's Vision 2040. According to a document released by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the use of Arabic is now mandatory in several key areas, including: Naming of Public Projects: New government-related projects such as streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces must be named in Arabic. A secondary name in another language may be added in parentheses if needed, but priority is given to Arabic terminology. Official Government Operations: All official business — including meetings, contracts, agreements, circulars, publications, and advertisements — must be conducted and documented in Arabic. The use of other languages is permitted only in urgent cases where public interest is at stake. Language of Instruction: Arabic remains the primary language of instruction in all government and higher education institutions unless otherwise specified by relevant regulations. Medical and Legal Documentation: Medical prescriptions, scientific certificates, legal decisions, and commercial contracts must be issued in Arabic. Other languages may be added alongside Arabic for clarity or international purposes. In addition, the Council urged private sector entities — including telecom companies, banks, utility providers, and insurers — to adopt the proper use of Arabic in their public communications and reports. The Government Communication Center stressed that these efforts aim to reinforce the Arabic language's standing in Omani society, highlighting it as one of the core components of the nation's cultural identity and strategic vision for the future.


Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
ADNOC Drilling enters Oman market in $112m deal
Muscat : In a strategic move set to reshape Oman's upstream oilfield services landscape, ADNOC Drilling has acquired a 70% stake in SLB's land drilling rigs business in the Sultanate, marking the UAE-based firm's first operational entry into the Omani market. The deal involves the transfer of six fully operational land rigs in Oman, all under contract with national operators, including Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). The acquisition is part of a wider $112 million agreement between ADNOC Drilling and SLB (formerly Schlumberger), and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. 'This acquisition provides ADNOC Drilling with an immediate footprint in Oman's high-growth drilling market, supported by long-term contracts and a stable operating environment,' the company said in a statement. The rigs are currently deployed in core oilfields that form part of Oman's energy backbone. ADNOC Drilling aims to scale up operations, introduce digital drilling optimisation tools, and enhance rig performance through AI-enabled platforms. The deal aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 goals to attract regional investment, boost in-country value (ICV), and enhance efficiency in hydrocarbon production. It also comes as the Ministry of Energy and Minerals accelerates upstream development, particularly in mature oil blocks requiring enhanced recovery and cost-effective drilling. Industry analysts say ADNOC Drilling's entry is a significant vote of confidence in Oman's upstream sector. With a majority of the assets located in Oman, the acquisition reaffirms the Sultanate's importance as a strategic energy partner in the Gulf. 'Beyond rig deployment, ADNOC Drilling's model includes integrated drilling services, digital workflows, and regional supply chain development—bringing advanced capabilities to Oman's oilfields,' said an energy analyst based in Muscat. The investment is expected to support Omani SMEs and contractors through subcontracting and local procurement. It could also generate new employment opportunities for Omani nationals in rig operations, logistics, and technical services.