JEDDAH: Oman is intensifying efforts to attract investment into its industrial sector and advance toward high-value, technology-led activities through an official visit to China.
The delegation was headed by Saleh Said Masan, undersecretary for commerce and industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, who visited a number of major Chinese manufacturing facilities, according to the Oman News Agency.
Industrial development is a central pillar of Oman Vision 2040 and the Industrial Strategy 2040, which target a tripling of manufacturing output, the attraction of approximately 40 billion Omani rials ($104 billion) in investment, and the expansion of advanced and green industries.
“These visits fall within ongoing efforts to strengthen investment in the industrial sector, in line with Oman’s strategy to develop integrated industrial clusters and shift toward high value-added industries driven by innovation and advanced technologies,” ONA reported.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured global solar energy firm JA Solar, where discussions with senior management focused on the latest smart solar cell and panel manufacturing technologies.
Both sides reviewed progress on the establishment of JA Solar’s facility in the Sohar Freezone, following a previously signed memorandum of understanding with the ministry to develop an integrated solar cell and module plant with an estimated investment of $564 million.
Officials confirmed that construction is proceeding according to plan, underscoring Oman’s goal of positioning itself as a regional hub for clean energy technologies and supporting its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
The delegation also visited the headquarters of BAIC Motor Corp., where recent advancements in electric and smart vehicles, along with next-generation transportation systems, were presented.
During the visit, Masan highlighted the incentives and support mechanisms offered by Oman to attract investment in the electromechanical and transport industries, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to facilitating high-quality industrial projects.
“This direction aims to establish joint ventures in automotive assembly and manufacturing, helping diversify the industrial base and create specialized employment opportunities for Omani professionals in engineering and digital technologies, in line with Industrial Strategy 2040 objectives,” ONA stated.
Concluding the visit, the undersecretary said the engagements reflect the ministry’s focus on a qualitative shift toward capital-intensive and technology-driven industries.
He added that integrating renewable energy projects with JA Solar and localizing vehicle technologies with BAIC would enhance manufacturing’s contribution to gross domestic product and strengthen the competitiveness of national products under the Made in Oman brand.
Masan emphasized the ministry’s commitment to fostering an attractive investment climate that encourages foreign direct investment and supports the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises into the global supply chains of leading international companies.