Oman-Italy Business Forum, organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in Muscat, has discussed ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation across key sectors.
Eng. Hussein bin Hassan Abdulhussein, Board Member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said that the Oman-Italy Business Forum reflects the depth of Oman-Italy relations and the shared commitment to advancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation in a sustainable manner.
He noted that bilateral trade reached approximately $515 million (€440 million) in 2025, with Omani exports to Italy valued at about $94 million (€80 million) and imports at around $421 million (€360 million), underscoring the strength and growth potential of trade ties.
Eng. Hussein added that more than 80,000 Italian visitors arrived in Oman in 2025, highlighting rising tourism and cultural exchange. He pointed to the expanding presence of Italian companies in sectors such as mining, industry, real estate, oil and gas, and logistics, supported by the opening of the Italian Trade Agency office in Muscat.
He affirmed that OCCI plays a key role in strengthening bilateral trade and investment by facilitating business meetings, enhancing communication, and promoting joint initiatives to expand trade, investment, and cooperation across sectors.
Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador Italy to Oman, said that the Oman-Italy Business Forum marks a key milestone in bilateral economic relations and offers a practical platform to deepen partnerships and explore new cooperation opportunities in priority sectors.
He noted that Italian companies view Oman as a stable and attractive investment destination, supported by its clear economic vision, modern legislative framework, and strategic location, positioning the Sultanate as a regional logistics and industrial hub.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
The Ambassador added that Italy has strong expertise in railways, advanced engineering, energy, and infrastructure, sectors of growing importance to Oman’s national development projects. He expressed hope that Italian expertise would support Oman’s ambitions to build a modern, sustainable transport system and enhance efficiency across the industrial and energy sectors.
The Oman-Italy Business Forum featured a visual presentation on Invest Oman, highlighting unified investment enablers delivered through a single-window platform that brings together more than 22 government and private entities, supported by a national negotiation team and dedicated investor relations managers.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
The presentation at the Oman-Italy Business Forum underscored Oman’s competitive advantages, including its strategic location with access to GCC markets of around 59 million consumers, strong connectivity to Asian and African markets serving 2.6 billion consumers, and direct links to East–West trade routes. It also highlighted Oman’s solid economic fundamentals, including positive international credit ratings, a strong and stable currency, and non-oil exports accounting for nearly one-third of total exports.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology presented Oman’s ambitious vision for transport and logistics, aiming to rank among the top 25 countries globally through integrated projects, modern infrastructure, supportive legislation, and public-private partnerships. The plan focuses on a safe, efficient transport network, strong governance, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability.
Major initiatives at Oman-Italy Business Forum
Key initiatives of the Oman-Italy Business Forum include Oman’s first green hydrogen refueling station, electric buses and bike delivery projects, biofuel use at Sohar Port, shore-to-ship power supply, and smart logistics innovations such as the National Ports Community System, vehicle monitoring, VTOL aircraft agreements, and a locally assembled drone for remote-area logistics.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
The Omani Ministry of Energy and Minerals showcased promising mining and minerals investment opportunities for 2025, leveraging Oman’s geological diversity and mining concession advantages.
On the sidelines of the Oman-Italy Business Forum, Omani and Italian business owners held bilateral meetings to explore partnerships, assess sectoral investment opportunities, and exchange expertise, strengthening economic cooperation and strategic collaboration.
