Cairo – Oman and Egypt are exploring the launch of a direct maritime shipping service linking the ports of Duqm and Salalah with Egyptian ports, in a move aimed at boosting bilateral trade, strengthening supply chains and opening new gateways for businesses in both countries to markets across Asia and Africa.

The proposal was discussed during an official visit by an Omani delegation to Egypt, headed by H E Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).

High-level talks between Lt Gen Kamel El Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, and the Omani economic delegation took place on Saturday, focusing on the preparation of a draft executive mechanism for launching the direct maritime route.

According to a statement from the Omani Embassy in Egypt, the proposed route would serve as a shared gateway to African and Asian markets.

The meeting was attended by H E Al Yousef and H E Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Oman’s Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States.

The discussions also focused on strengthening industrial and logistics integration between the economic and free zones of Oman and Egypt, with the two sides seeking to move bilateral trade beyond the exchange of raw materials towards the development of value-added industrial chains.

Particular attention was given to the metals, aluminium, plastics and electrical machinery sectors, with the aim of enhancing the production and export capabilities of companies in both countries.

The two sides also discussed the exchange of expertise in dry port management and operations, as well as potential joint projects in shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime services in Duqm. They also explored opportunities to promote cruise tourism through MedCruise.

In a separate meeting, Dr Mohamed Farid, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, held talks with H E Al Yousef and H E Al Rahbi on the proposed establishment of an industrial and logistics corridor linking the free zones of Oman and Egypt.

The proposed corridor could create new opportunities for Egyptian companies seeking access to Asian and African markets, while supporting investment partnerships across several sectors.

The discussions form part of broader efforts to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between Oman and Egypt, including the exchange of expertise in developing and managing economic and free zones, attracting investment and deepening engagement with business communities in both countries.

The proposed maritime route and industrial-logistics corridor mark a further step towards translating the longstanding ties between Oman and Egypt into practical economic partnerships, while supporting trade growth, investment flows and greater integration between the two economies.