Oman-Tanzania Business Forum highlights trade opportunities
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) hosted the Oman-Tanzania Business Forum on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at its headquarters in Muscat. The event focused on strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries and witnessed the participation of senior officials and business representatives from both sides.
The forum was attended by Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Chamber's branch in Al Batinah South, and Dr Hashil Twaibu Abdallah, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the United Republic of Tanzania. Also present were Said bin Hilal al Ismaili, Omani representative in the Oman-Tanzania Business Council, and a number of Omani and Tanzanian businesspeople.
In his opening remarks, Dr Abdallah highlighted the growing investment opportunities in Tanzania, noting the government's reforms to improve the business climate, including a single-window system for company registration and simplified investment procedures. 'We welcome all investors to explore the growing opportunities in Tanzania. This visit strengthens the historic relationship between Oman and Tanzania,' he said.
The forum included discussions on key Tanzanian sectors open to Omani investment, including agriculture, construction, tourism, mining, ICT and healthcare. Officials emphasised the legal incentives and economic stability Tanzania offers investors and called for enhanced cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors.
Eng Hamoud al Saadi stated that the relationship between Oman and Tanzania is built on deep-rooted trade and cultural ties, with Omani traders historically playing a significant role along the East African coast. 'We are focusing on vital and promising sectors that offer genuine opportunities for joint investment,' he said. He urged participants to leverage the roundtable meetings to initiate dialogue and develop strategic partnerships.
Dr Abdallah reaffirmed Tanzania's readiness to welcome Omani investors. 'We are committed to facilitating Omani investment into vital sectors and building partnerships that advance joint development,' he said.
Said al Ismaili noted the forum's role in building direct relationships between Omani and Tanzanian businesspeople. 'This is a valuable opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation and open new investment avenues,' he said, adding that the Joint Oman-Tanzania Business Council is fully committed to supporting this collaboration.
Mohammed bin Ali al Gharbi from OCCI delivered a presentation titled, 'Explore the Omani Market', highlighting Oman's stable economy, investor-friendly environment and commitment to economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040. He noted that Oman's key exports include petroleum products, LNG, minerals, fish and petrochemicals.
The forum concluded with a roundtable meeting where participants discussed trade and investment opportunities, shared insights, and explored practical mechanisms for overcoming challenges. The dialogue laid the groundwork for building productive partnerships and increasing Omani presence in Tanzanian markets.
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