Astana, Kazakhstan – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan attended the Oman-Kazakhstan Business Forum at Astana International Financial Centre on Tuesday, as part of His Majesty’s state visit to Kazakhstan.

Addressing the forum, His Majesty commended the growth of partnership and investment between Oman and Kazakhstan across several sectors and called for the development of new avenues for investment and economic cooperation.

He urged businesses in both countries to explore available opportunities and build partnerships that serve mutual interests.

The forum, organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and Kazakh national company Kazakh Invest, in cooperation with Oman Investment Authority (OIA), brought together officials and business leaders from the two countries.

A key development was the official announcement of the activation of electronic linkage between Muscat Stock Exchange and Astana International Exchange. The linkage will enable investors to access securities listed on both markets and execute trades through qualified brokerage firms.

Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of OIA, said economic and investment relations between Oman and Kazakhstan were witnessing accelerating growth in energy, mining, food security, logistics, tourism and financial services.

He described the establishment of the joint Oman-Kazakhstan investment fund as a significant step towards strengthening investment flows between the two countries. He also highlighted the formation of the Oman-Kazakhstan Business Council as an important mechanism to enhance private-sector participation and broaden economic cooperation.

Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, said the forum brought together business representatives from both countries, with discussions focusing on food security, transport, logistics, mining and energy.

Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of OCCI, said the Royal support for Oman’s private sector and His Majesty’s emphasis on empowering it had contributed to a more open and competitive business environment and expanded opportunities for international partnerships.

He said the participation of His Majesty and the Kazakh President in the forum demonstrated the high-level support for economic and investment relations and reflected the two countries’ aspirations for broader and more sustainable partnerships.

Al Rowas said the forum provided an important platform to move bilateral economic relations from understanding towards practical partnerships and projects, while bilateral business meetings would help connect Omani and Kazakh companies and identify priority areas for cooperation.

Dr Salim bin Abdullah Al Shanfari, Chairman of the Omani side of the Oman-Kazakhstan Business Council, said the council’s establishment alongside His Majesty’s visit gave its launch particular importance.

He said the council would identify priorities for trade and investment cooperation, assess companies’ needs and direct efforts towards projects that meet private-sector aspirations.

Two panel discussions were held on food security and supply chains, and transport and logistics as drivers of trade and investment.

The forum also featured bilateral meetings between business representatives, providing opportunities to explore investment and trade prospects and develop partnerships in sectors of mutual interest.