Oman Hosts Oman Investment Forum 2025 in UK
London, 21 Oct (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman,
represented by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Foreign
Ministry, held the “Oman Investment Forum 2025” in London today, with the aim
of strengthening financial, investment, and economic cooperation between the
two sides.
The forum seeks to boost investor confidence in
Oman’s financial position by showcasing success stories and the policies and
structural reforms implemented to achieve fiscal balance and sustainability. It
also outlines the Government strategies and policies in the financial,
investment, and economic sectors, alongside projects and initiatives designed
to enhance Oman’s investment attractiveness.
In the opening session, Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi,
Chairman of the Tax Authority and Head of the Omani Delegation to the Strategic
Advisory Group (SAG), delivered a presentation titled “Pathways to Oman’s
Financial Stability,” outlining key fiscal measures and reforms that have
underpinned stability and strengthened investor confidence. He underscored the
role of the Oman–UK partnership as a driver of long-term economic stability.
Al Jashmi said: “The historical Oman-UK relations
stand as a pillar of friendship and shared prosperity. This forum is a
testament to the strong and enduring partnership between our two countries
within the framework of the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG). The UK is currently
the largest foreign investor in Oman’s economy, accounting for 51.2% of total
FDI, which emphasizes the importance of this forum in enhancing the growth of
investments between the two countries and global investment collaboration.”
Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini, Secretary-General of
the Ministry of Finance and Supervisor of the National Program for Fiscal
Sustainability and Financial Sector Development (Estidamah), delivered a
presentation titled “Oman’s Economic Transformation Journey: From Stability to
Prosperity,” in which he discussed the impact of structural improvements and
economic diversification initiatives on attracting investors.
Al Aweini said: “This forum showcases the renewed
international confidence in Oman’s economy and financial strength, with the
presence of leading financial institutions and investment funds. This event
comes after a bold journey of achievements in the public finance reform, which
led to milestones in developing its financial system and managed to turn
financial challenges into successes. The UK has been and continues to be a key
strategic partner in achieving our mutual investment and economic interests. As
we are heading into a diversified, competitive, and sustainable future, we look
forward to continuing to strengthen this partnership towards the prosperity of
both nations.”
He stated that “the public debt-to-GDP ratio fell
from 68% in 2020 to 34% in 2024, which reduced debt service costs by more than
12% from their peak levels since 2020.”
In the first panel discussion, Ahmed Jaafar Al
Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman and Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini
discussed “Financing Growth: Reforming Oman’s Financial Sector,” highlighting
key initiatives to strengthen the financial and banking sector and the role of
debt instruments in financing growth.
Al Musalmi said that: “This forum represents a
pivotal moment — transforming over two centuries of Omani–British partnership
into a structured platform for resilient, diversified growth. Strategically
positioned at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Oman offers
seamless access to over 2.5 billion consumers — powered by world-class ports,
free zones, and integrated supply chains. Our shared ambition is clear: scale
investable opportunities, strengthen climate and supply-chain resilience, and
generate high-quality jobs — positioning Oman as a competitive regional hub and
delivering enduring value for both nations.”
In the second session, Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi,
Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) and Executive Chairman of
Investcorp Holdings, addressed “Navigating Global Economic Challenges,” reviewing
global challenges and their impact on Oman’s financial stability.
Mulham Bashir Al Jarf, Deputy Chairman for
Investment at the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), took part in the second
panel discussion on “Advancing Oman’s Capital Markets in a Global Context.” He
noted that the OIA has undertaken multiple measures and initiatives to expand
the Muscat Stock Exchange since its ownership was transferred to the Authority
in 2021, achieving record growth and trading figures. He added that the OIA’s participation
in the investment forum highlights its strategic partnerships, contribution to
attracting foreign investment and its standing as a partner of choice for
global investors.
Eng. Nasser Khalifa Al Kindi, Chief Executive
Officer of the Invest Oman Lounge, said: “As Invest Oman, we see the United
Kingdom as a long-standing and trusted partner in shaping the next phase of
Oman’s investment story. Together, we are translating strategic dialogue into
tangible opportunities that drive growth and shared prosperity.”
At the invitation of Sohar International Bank and
HSBC, the forum brought together representatives from investment funds, global
banks, financing institutions, and privatesector companies. On the sidelines,
additional panel discussions are being held to exchange expertise and advance
bilateral cooperation in finance, economics, and investment.
It is noteworthy that the Oman-UK Strategic
Advisory Group (SAG) will hold its thirteenth meeting from 23 to 24 October in
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
— Ends/Khalid
