Photo Credit: Times of Oman
Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, has invited Indian business houses to explore investment opportunities in the Sultanate. Speaking at an event organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) in Mumbai on Friday, the Minister emphasized Oman’s openness to foreign investors.
“From mining to engineering to heavy industry, Oman has opened its doors for business houses,” the Minister said, highlighting the wide range of sectors available for investment.
The high-powered Omani delegation, led by Minister Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, included Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and Oman’s Ambassador to India. The delegation underscored the strong and historic ties between Oman and India, which have only deepened over time.
“Situated just across the Arabian sea, Oman and India enjoy historic relationships. India is so important for Oman that after His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik came to power, India was the first non-Arab country to which His Majesty visited,” Al Yousef added.
Reflecting on the long-standing relations between the two nations, particularly during the reign of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Minister said, “Instead of inviting investors to Oman, we are moving to them with open arms to invest in the country.”
Pankaj Khimji elaborated on the deep-rooted trade connections between Oman and India, saying, “Oman and India trade relations date back to over 5,000 years,” and mentioned that “artefacts throw light on sea trade between Qalhat and Dwarka. Even the National Museum of Oman has many artefacts showing close and historic ties between the two countries.”
He also shared a personal anecdote from when His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they discussed cricket, and the Prime Minister presented His Majesty with a cricket bat signed by Indian players.