Monday 07 / September / 2026
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman and People's Republic of China have discussed enhancing economic and investment cooperation in economic and free zones.
His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, received today at the Authority's headquarters in Muscat, a Chinese economic delegation from Hainan Province, headed by His Excellency Bao Tian, Executive Vice Governor of Hainan Province, People's Republic of China. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation in economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities between the two sides.
The meeting reviewed available investment opportunities in the special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities overseen by the Authority, and explored potential areas of cooperation with Hainan Province. They also discussed opportunities for establishing investment partnerships between companies and institutions from both sides in a number of promising economic and industrial sectors.
Both sides emphasized the importance of coordination, facilitating and creating a supportive environment for cooperation, and involving economic zones, companies, and the private sector in developing and implementing investment and trade opportunities and projects of mutual interest. They also stressed the importance of leveraging shared experiences in developing and managing economic and specialised zones, enhancing integration between zones and ports, developing industrial clusters, and attracting high-quality investments. This will contribute to moving from general cooperation frameworks to practical partnerships based on specific initiatives and projects.
During the meeting, the Authority presented an overview of the economic, free, and industrial zones it oversees, highlighting the supportive investment environment it provides. This environment leverages the Sultanate of Oman's strategic location, regulatory flexibility, and openness to regional and global markets, along with the logistical depth offered by its network of ports, airports, and integrated infrastructure. These factors enhance investors' ability to access markets and expand their businesses.
The two sides discussed the importance of strengthening communication between the business communities of the Sultanate of Oman and China's Hainan Province. They also discussed the opportunities available for Chinese companies to invest and expand within the zones overseen by the Authority. This aims to attract high-quality investments, promote industrial integration, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies.
Furthermore, both parties emphasized the importance of continued coordination and exchange of expertise, as well as exploring new areas of cooperation and partnership. This will strengthen economic and investment relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China, represented by Hainan Province, and serve the mutual interests of both sides.
