Uzbek President receives Omani Minister in Tashkent
Tashkent- President Dr Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan received H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in Tashkent on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Al Yousef conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Uzbek President. He reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The minister also extended his congratulations to President Mirziyoyev on the historic qualification of the Uzbekistan national football team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – the country's first-ever appearance on football's biggest stage. He described the achievement as a moment of pride not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Central Asian region.
Al Yousef welcomed the Uzbek government's decision to grant Omani citizens a 30-day visa exemption, describing it as a positive step towards enhancing tourism, cultural exchange, and commercial ties between the two nations. He further noted that Oman Air plans to launch direct flights to Tashkent in the near future, aiming to strengthen connectivity and facilitate people-to-people contact.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the minister affirmed Oman's unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic partnerships with Uzbekistan, grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a forward-looking vision.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th session of the Omani-Uzbek Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation, in conjunction with high-level roundtable discussions and the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum. The visit aims to expand cooperation and identify joint investment opportunities across key sectors.
The meeting was attended by H E Assayida Wafa Jabr al Busaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with senior officials from both countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
8 hours 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
8 hours 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
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Man Utd complete signing of Brazilian Cunha
MANCHESTER, England: Manchester United completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, United announced on Thursday, with the Brazil forward joining on a five-year contract. United triggered Cunha's release clause, which was worth around 62.5 million pounds ($84.12 million), according to a source at the club. The Old Trafford side also have the option of extending his contract by a year. "It's hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player," Cunha said. "Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother's house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt. "I can't wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my teammates and prepare for the season ahead. All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team, and helping get this club back to the top." The 26-year-old scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 92 appearances for Wolves, with 15 of those goals coming in the Premier League last season. Cunha helped Brazil qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup on Tuesday, setting up the only goal in a decisive 1-0 win at home to Paraguay. The dynamic playmaker helped Brazil qualify for the 2026 World Cup when he provided the assist for Vinicius Junior's goal in their 1-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday. "Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window," said United's director of football Jason Wilcox. "He has proved his ability to succeed in the Premier League as one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolves. "He has all the qualities we are looking for as we seek to build a strong, dynamic and entertaining team capable of challenging for the biggest honours." United finished 15th in the Premier League last season with 42 points. The transfer is a record sale for Wolves, eclipsing the 53 million pounds they received from Manchester City for midfielder Matheus Nunes in 2023. — Reuters
