Plan to enhance private sector cooperation between Oman and Uzbekistan

Muscat: Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, met with Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and his accompanying delegation, who is currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman.The meeting discussed means of enhancing cooperation in the field of economic, free, and industrial zones, as well as exploring new areas for partnership in logistics, investment, and trade, and strengthening cooperation between the business communities in both countries. The two sides touched on a number of sectors of mutual interest, including manufacturing, logistics, cold chains, food and agricultural security, and the opportunities available for establishing investment projects and partnerships in these sectors. They also discussed benefiting from the specialisations and comparative advantages enjoyed by the special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities in the Sultanate of Oman.During the meeting, the authority reviewed the competitive advantages of these zones and the integrated investment environment they provide to support the establishment, growth, and expansion of projects. This leverages the Sultanate of Oman’s strategic location and its connection to a network of ports, airports, and infrastructure and logistics capabilities, thereby enhancing access of products to regional and global markets and providing a suitable base for companies seeking to expand and reach new markets.The meeting also discussed mechanisms for enhancing mutual cooperation on investment opportunities, exchanging expertise and information, and encouraging reciprocal visits by trade delegations, businessmen, and investors. This contributes to transforming areas of mutual interest into partnerships and investment projects and strengthening links between private sector institutions in both countries.Both sides emphasised the importance of sustaining communication and coordination to explore economically viable investment opportunities and build long-term partnerships that leverage the available potential of both countries and contribute to diversifying areas of economic and investment cooperation.