Omani-Italian relations have entered new phase of economic cooperation with the visit of Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, to the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation toward a diversified and sustainable partnership.
The visit builds on growing political coordination between Muscat and Rome in recent years. This momentum was reflected in the meeting held last December between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Prime Minister Meloni on the sidelines of the GCC Summit, where both sides reviewed existing cooperation and explored opportunities to expand partnerships across key sectors.
As per data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the volume of trade exchange between Oman and Italy reached approximately $479.18 million (RO 184.3 million) in 2025. Omani exports to Italy amounted to about $87.36 million (RO 33.6 million), while imports from Italy stood at around $391.82 million (RO 150.7 million).
Omani exports to Italy mainly include metals and their products, plastics and rubber, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, vehicles, and transport equipment. Imports from Italy are largely concentrated in chemical industry products, food industry products, and machinery, appliances, and electrical equipment.
Tourism continues to support bilateral relations, with official figures showing that around 80,607 Italian visitors arrived in the Sultanate of Oman by the end of December 2025, reflecting increased connectivity and growing people-to-people ties.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that economic relations between the two countries are witnessing advanced qualitative development driven by converging strategic and economic visions. He noted that international partnerships are shifting from traditional trade toward investment-based cooperation focused on value addition, knowledge transfer, and production integration.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
Al Rowas added that this development coincides with the implementation of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes economic diversification, private sector empowerment, and sustainability, aligning with Italy’s efforts to expand its global economic presence. He said that while trade exchange provides a strong base, the next phase requires deepening joint investments and establishing long-term partnerships in productive and service sectors to improve the trade balance and enhance economic competitiveness.
The Chairman highlighted investment opportunities in renewable energy and green hydrogen, noting that Oman represents a promising regional hub supported by its geographical location and natural resources, alongside Italian expertise in clean technologies. He added that opportunities also extend to advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, smart technologies, the circular economy, and agri-food industries, particularly as Oman strengthens food security.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
Salma Ali Al Hashmi, Vice President of Marketing at The Wave, Muscat, Board Member and Executive Chair of the Omani-Italian Friendship Association, said that steady trade flows and growing tourism reflect the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. She noted that direct flights to Rome have contributed to rising arrivals from Italy. She said the Italian Prime Minister’s visit provides an opportunity to translate diplomatic relations and trade exchange into concrete investment plans and sector-specific partnerships that support sustainable growth.
Al Hashmi added that the Omani-Italian Friendship Association organized the Omani-Italian Investment Business Forum and bilateral meetings to establish commercial partnerships. She noted that cooperation continues in tourism, archaeological heritage, and energy, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainability-related industrial projects, citing cooperation between Oman Oil Company Exploration and Production and Eni in Block 47. She said high-level visits are expected to expand market access, strengthen investor relations, and diversify investments in line with Oman Vision 2040.
