Muscat – The Oman Chapter of the Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce (INMECC) organised a special business session on “Oman: The Bridge Between India and America,” led by Ms. Rebecca Olson, Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Oman.

Ms. Olson highlighted Oman’s unique position as the only GCC country benefiting from both the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the US–Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA). She explained how Indian companies could establish genuine value-added manufacturing and processing facilities in Oman and use the country as a strategic gateway to the vast US market.

The presentation outlined promising opportunities in sectors such as solar energy, metals, plastics, fertilisers, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, fisheries and light manufacturing. It also highlighted the advantages offered by the special economic zones and free zones at Sohar, Duqm and Salalah, including foreign ownership, customs benefits, tax incentives and access to world-class logistics infrastructure.

Ms. Olson stressed that duty-free access under the US–Oman FTA requires genuine manufacturing or substantial value addition in Oman, with applicable rules of origin strictly followed. She advised investors to evaluate product eligibility, landed costs, location advantages and compliance requirements before establishing their operations. AmCham Oman would support interested businesses through market-entry guidance, export-readiness assessments, buyer introductions, certification assistance and access to US business networks.

Mr. Mohiyudeen Mohammed Ali, President of the INMECC Oman Chapter; Dr. Davis Kallukaran, Director; Dr. N. M. Sharafudeen, Chairman; Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Vice Chairman; and Dr. Sureshkumar Madhusudhanan, Secretary General, addressed the gathering.

The speakers observed that the combined strength of the two trade agreements creates a significant new opportunity for Indian enterprises to invest, manufacture and add value in Oman before accessing the US market. They encouraged entrepreneurs to explore joint ventures and manufacturing partnerships in Oman while fully complying with the applicable rules of origin.

The session concluded with a call for closer collaboration among INMECC, AmCham Oman, investors, free-zone authorities and business institutions to convert the India–Oman–US trade corridor into a practical platform for investment, industrial development and global market expansion.

The event waa organised on the eve of the Indo Oman Business Forum at hotel Radisson Collection Hormuz Grand.