Muscat  – The Oman–Belarus Business Forum on Thursday highlighted key investment opportunities and avenues to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, with officials and business leaders from both sides exploring prospects for stronger private sector partnerships.

The forum, organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), was attended by Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA); Maksim Ryzhenkov, Foreign Minister of Belarus; and Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, along with business leaders from the two countries. 

Speaking at the forum, Al Rawas said the event reflects the growing relations between Oman and Belarus and provides a practical platform for decision-makers and private sector representatives to explore partnerships, exchange expertise and translate strategic cooperation into tangible investment projects.

He noted that bilateral relations have gained momentum following high-level visits, including the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Belarus and the visit of Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, to Oman, which paved the way for deeper strategic cooperation and several agreements across multiple sectors.

Al Rawas highlighted the economic complementarity between the two countries, noting that Oman’s strategic location linking Asian and African markets positions it as a regional logistics hub, while Belarus offers advanced industrial capabilities and access to Eastern European markets.

He encouraged companies from both countries to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, furniture manufacturing and joint industrial projects, stressing the role of the private sector in driving trade and investment growth.

For his part, Ryzhenkov said bilateral relations have witnessed significant progress in recent years, supported by high-level exchanges and agreements covering areas including agriculture, food security and healthcare.

He added that the Oman–Belarus Joint Committee serves as a key platform for monitoring the implementation of agreements and strengthening cooperation between relevant institutions in both countries.

During the forum, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion presented an overview of Oman’s investment environment under the Invest in Oman initiative, highlighting the country’s strategic location and its access to regional and global markets.

The forum also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between OCCI and Belarus’ National Centre for Marketing and Price Study to enhance trade cooperation, exchange economic information and promote joint investment opportunities.

The agreement includes cooperation in sectors such as halal food industries, petrochemicals, engineering products and information technology, as well as the organisation of trade delegations and business forums.

Under the agreement, an Omani business delegation is expected to participate in the Belagro International Exhibition in Minsk in June 2026, while a joint technology forum is planned on the sidelines of the upcoming COMEX technology exhibition in Muscat.