Saturday 20 / December / 2025
Muscat: Economists, business leaders, and experts have affirmed that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India marks a strategic turning point in bilateral economic relations, opening broad horizons for trade expansion, investment growth, and economic diversification.
They noted that the agreement is expected to enhance trade exchange, open new markets for Omani exports, and stimulate joint investments in vital sectors beyond traditional cooperation frameworks.
It also supports the competitiveness of the national economy, enables Omani companies—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—to access one of the world’s largest markets, strengthens food and pharmaceutical security, and reinforces Oman’s position as a regional hub for trade and supply chains in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Dr. Said Mubarak Said AL Muharrami, Member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Oman and Professor of Finance at Sultan Qaboos University, described the partnership as a strategic step that will increase trade volumes through tariff reductions, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and stimulate direct investment.
He highlighted expected growth in sectors such as petrochemicals, industry, renewable energy, information technology, fisheries, minerals, and light manufacturing, alongside technology transfer, job creation, and GDP growth.
Dr. Hilal bin Abdullah Al Hinai, Chairman of the Oman Manufacturers Association, said the agreement opens wide opportunities for Omani industries—particularly manufacturing, petrochemicals, building materials, food processing, metals, and pharmaceuticals—to access Asian markets.
He emphasised the role of the association in supporting industrialists, clarifying market access mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation with the Indian private sector.
He also stressed that maintaining Omanisation controls and negative lists ensures a balance between attracting investment and protecting the national labor market.
Mustafa bin Ahmed Salman, CEO of United Securities LLC, stated that bilateral trade already stands at approximately USD 10.61 billion in FY 2024–2025 and is expected to grow significantly with the agreement’s implementation.
He noted that CEPA will help diversify Omani exports beyond oil and gas, expand non-oil sectors, enhance logistics and re-export capabilities, attract technology expertise, and create new employment opportunities.
Legal advisor and economic expert Dr. Qais bin Dawood Al-Sabi’i described the agreement as a qualitative leap and a foundation for pioneering joint economic cooperation.
He highlighted India’s position as a major global industrial power and its vast consumer market, stressing the agreement’s role in diversifying exports, strengthening supply chains, supporting SMEs, and advancing sustainable development, clean energy, and green industries.
He also emphasised the need for balanced implementation to protect national industries and ensure fair competition.
Engineer Saeed bin Nasser Al Rashdi is the CEO of Insurance House Company (Bima Oman), affirmed that the agreement enhances Oman’s attractiveness as an investment and trade hub, particularly for manufacturing, metals, petrochemicals, and food products.
He stressed the importance of readiness in production and logistics to convert preferential access into sustainable export growth, while maintaining Omanisation policies to safeguard long-term economic and social benefits.
