Muscat – The Oman–India Business Forum has highlighted new opportunities for trade, investment and private-sector partnerships arising from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Oman and India.

Organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Wednesday, the forum brought together businesspeople, investors and representatives of institutions from both countries to explore ways of translating the agreement into practical projects and partnerships.

The forum was held under the patronage of Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCI Board of Directors, at The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort.

Al Rawas said the long-standing economic and trade relations between Oman and India provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation under the CEPA.

He noted that the agreement offers private-sector companies opportunities to increase exports, access new markets and develop investment partnerships, while Oman’s strategic location, logistics infrastructure, ports and economic and free zones strengthen its position as a gateway to regional and international markets.

He urged Omani businesses to study products with export potential, engage with Indian counterparts and explore joint ventures and investment opportunities.

The CEPA was signed in Muscat on December 18, 2025, and entered into force on June 1, 2026. It is Oman’s first bilateral trade agreement in nearly two decades and India’s second such agreement with a Gulf country.

Under the agreement, around 98% of Omani tariff lines were opened to Indian goods, while India committed to reducing or eliminating customs duties on around 77% of its tariff lines. The agreement also covers investment, customs facilitation, digital trade, intellectual property and the movement of professionals. 

Dr Yousuf Hamed Al Balushi, Founder and Managing Director of Smart Investment Gateway, said Oman should seek to transform the CEPA from a trade agreement into a platform for investment, production and exports.

He identified manufacturing as a major opportunity, with the ports and strategic locations of Duqm, Salalah and Suhar offering potential for manufacturing, storage, re-export and distribution.

He also highlighted opportunities to attract Indian companies in information technology, artificial intelligence, data centres and cybersecurity, stressing the need to increase local value and connect Omani companies with global value chains. 

From the Indian side, Dr James J Nedumpara, Professor and Head of the Centre for Trade and Investment Law, said the agreement could expand opportunities in several sectors.

He pointed to potential cooperation in electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and agricultural and marine products, particularly through processing, value addition and re-export. 

Two panel discussions examined implementation of the agreement, services, investment and joint ventures. Participants stressed the importance of moving from commitments to productive projects, value-added exports and long-term partnerships.

They also highlighted the role of Oman’s economic and free zones and ports in attracting Indian investment, particularly in manufacturing, steel, minerals and logistics.

The forum also featured an exhibition showcasing products and services, as well as bilateral meetings aimed at developing new investment and business partnerships between Omani and Indian companies.