Electrical gear drives growth in Oman's exports
MUSCAT: Oman's industrial exports witnessed a notable 8.6 per cent increase during the first quarter of 2025, reaching RO 1.618 billion, compared to RO 1.490 billion during the same period in 2024, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
Industrial exports accounted for 28 per cent of Oman's total exports.
This growth was driven by strong performance across several industrial sectors, most notably the electrical equipment and machinery manufacturing sector, which recorded exceptional growth of 141 per cent, with its exports rising to RO 128 million compared to RO 53 million in Q1 2024.
The metal products sector followed with a 14.1 per cent increase in exports, reaching RO 462 million, fueled by rising international demand for high-quality Omani products.
Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), stated that these positive results reflect the strength and diversity of Oman's industrial sector. He emphasised the ministry's ongoing implementation of integrated industrial policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products in regional and global markets while boosting industrial exports.
He said that the electrical equipment and machinery sector is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing demand, driven by infrastructure expansion projects —particularly in electricity networks, utilities and new cities — alongside growing investments in renewable energy-related industries.
Khaled Salim al Qasabi
He affirmed that this sector is a priority under Oman's Industrial Strategy 2040, given its role in developing supply chains, enhancing value-added economic activities, supporting entrepreneurship and localising advanced technologies.
Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the MoCIIP, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence of Omani products in regional and global markets —a key objective of the industrial strategy and a pillar of economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
He explained that these efforts include launching qualitative initiatives to improve the efficiency and quality of national products by supporting local manufacturers in adhering to the highest technical standards and international certifications. This enhances competitiveness and consumer confidence in Omani products.
He added that the ministry, in coordination with relevant entities, is working to open new markets for Omani exports by activating regional and international trade agreements, participating in trade exhibitions and missions and providing incentives and facilities for Omani exporters. Additionally, the ministry is promoting knowledge-based and advanced technology industries, including artificial intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, which play a pivotal role in improving product quality, reducing costs and achieving sustainable industrial growth. These efforts contribute to strengthening the national economy, generating quality job opportunities for Omani talent and positioning Oman as a promising industrial and logistics hub in the region. — ONA
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