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.
Oman targets clean energy, EVs in China talks
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Oman targets clean energy, EVs in China talks
Mawani, Qatar Ports ink cooperation deal to boost regional maritime trade
RIYADH: The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, and Qatar Ports Management Co. signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting maritime and logistics cooperation, contributing to the development of the ports sector, raising operational efficiency, and supporting regional and international trade flows.
The MoU was signed by Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazroua and Qatar Ports Management Co. CEO Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji, in the presence of Qatari Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah.
The step reflects both sides’ commitment to building effective partnerships, exchanging expertise, establishing an organized framework for cooperation management, and developing joint investment opportunities in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.
The MoU outlines eight key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices in port management and operations, and studying opportunities for direct maritime and land connectivity between the two countries’ ports to enhance trade efficiency.
It also includes collaboration in logistics services, exploring the establishment of joint maritime corridors serving bilateral and regional trade, and assessing the feasibility of creating shared regional distribution centers.
Both parties agreed to enhance cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, focusing on smart systems, data governance, and a unified maritime window to improve operational efficiency and remain at the forefront of technological progress in the maritime sector.
The MoU emphasizes maritime safety and environmental protection, including the exchange of expertise on marine pollution control and emergency response, the development of joint maritime emergency plans, and the establishment of a bilateral emergency communication line.
It also promotes collaboration to ensure compliance with international conventions, conduct joint exercises, and implement risk-monitoring systems.
Cooperation further extends to human capital development through joint training programs and on-the-ground expertise exchanges, as well as academic and research partnerships in maritime transport and logistics.
Regarding joint investment, both parties will explore local and international opportunities in ports and related services, coordinating with the private sector to support these initiatives.
The MoU also includes cooperation in cruise tourism through enhanced maritime connectivity and joint promotion of Gulf cruise routes, as well as coordination of positions in international maritime organizations and support for joint initiatives, notably “Green Ports” and “Safe Sea Corridors.”
This memorandum reflects the commitment of Mawani and Qatar Ports Management Co. to advancing the ports sector and boosting its role as a key driver of trade and economic growth, contributing to Gulf integration, and enhancing regional competitiveness in maritime services.
