Forum Explores Investment Partnership, Economic Integration Between Oman and LebanonMuscat, 27 Oct (ONA) — The activities of the Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum and its accompanying exhibition commenced today at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event aims to boost economic relations and expand the scope of trade, industrial, and investment cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Lebanese Republic.Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasized that the deep-rooted commercial ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Lebanese Republic have contributed to enhancing cultural, intellectual, and historical exchange between the Omani and Lebanese peoples, fostering an environment of cooperation and communication across eras.In his speech, he expressed his aspiration that the activities of the Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum would lead to greater ambitions for developing joint work and driving the elements of integration towards broader horizons. This, he said, aims to build a competitive economy that interacts with global economies, integrates with them, keeps pace with changes, and is capable of driving the sustainability of the national economies of both countries.On his turn, Dr. Amer Bisat, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, stated that the relations between Lebanon and the Sultanate of Oman are based on mutual respect, appreciation for each party’s expertise, and a shared conviction that economic cooperation is a fundamental lever for development and stability. He indicated that the forum serves to elevate these relations to the level of building practical partnerships and productive projects.In his speech, he proposed working on three tracks: establishing a permanent joint economic committee to follow up on the outcomes of this forum and translate them into practical agreements; creating linkage platforms between the private sectors in both countries to facilitate partnerships, introduce opportunities, and activate knowledge and technical exchange in value-added sectors; and inviting companies from both countries to benefit from the bilateral meetings during this forum to establish genuine and sustainable partnerships.Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated: “The Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum and its accompanying exhibition embody a shared vision to enhance economic cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Lebanese Republic. It also confirms the importance of the economic partnership between our two countries and reflects the shared ambition to expand trade and investment cooperation.”He added that this event represents an important opportunity for the private sector in both countries to exchange expertise, explore investment opportunities, and expand the scope of trade cooperation. Such events, he said, are not limited to displaying products and services alone but constitute a real opportunity to solidify relations between business owners and investors, opening new horizons for joint projects that support sustainable economic development.The meetings discussed investment opportunities in the sectors of industry, tourism, services, technology, agriculture, and trade, alongside reviewing mechanisms to boost trade cooperation and exchange expertise, and exploring the possibility of establishing strategic partnerships that contribute to supporting economic growth and achieving mutual interests.The forum is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade, in cooperation with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon, with the participation of several investment institutions, industrial companies, and service providers from both sides.On its first day, the forum featured an introductory visual presentation on investment opportunities in both countries, along with a number of specialized working sessions. The most prominent was a session titled “Prospects for Economic Integration between Oman and Lebanon: Towards a Sustainable Industrial, Commercial, and Investment Partnership,” which was attended by a selection of economic leaders and a number of specialists from the public and private sectors.On the sidelines of the forum, the Lebanese-Omani Economic, Commercial and Industrial Exhibition was inaugurated, showcasing products and services from more than 100 companies and institutions from both countries across diverse sectors including industry, food, tourism and logistics. This provides opportunities to establish new partnerships and explore promising investment areas.During the Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized bilateral meetings between Omani and Lebanese business owners. These aimed to enhance direct communication between company and institution representatives to build long-term commercial and investment partnerships between the two countries and translate them into practical projects that contribute to augmenting trade volume and diversifying exports.Trade relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Lebanese Republic have seen remarkable development during the first half of 2025. The trade volume between the two countries rose to approximately RO 8.5 million (USD 22.2 million), compared to RO 6.6 million (USD 17.1 million) during the same period in 2024, registering a growth rate of 29.4 percent.Data also showed an increase in the number of Lebanese companies registered in the Sultanate of Oman to more than 1,035 companies as of September 2025, with a total invested capital estimated at RO 191.5 million. The Lebanese contribution constitutes about 80 percent of this, with the majority of investments concentrated in the sectors of trade and retail, construction, manufacturing, transport and food services.— Ends/AH