Oman and China Sign 23 Investment Agreements Across Key Sectors

2 November 2026 | Investment & Economic Development | Middle East

Oman and China have strengthened their economic partnership through 23 investment agreements and strategic partnerships worth several billion US dollars, spanning renewable energy, mining, logistics, advanced technologies and space development. The agreements represent a significant step in Oman's efforts to attract international investment, diversify its economy and develop new industrial capabilities under Oman Vision 2040.

The agreements were announced on 2 November 2026 during the Oman-China Investment Partnership Horizons Forum in Beijing, organised by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) alongside the state visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to China.

According to the Oman News Agency, the agreements include joint investment funds, industrial projects, technology partnerships and infrastructure development initiatives, with a substantial share of the proposed investments directed towards Oman.

The developments reflect a broader shift in Oman-China economic relations, moving beyond conventional trade towards long-term investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation.

US$1.1 Billion in Joint Investment Funds

Among the major announcements were two proposed investment funds with a combined value of US$1.1 billion.

OIA signed a preliminary agreement with China's Silk Road Fund to establish an US$800 million joint investment fund, with the majority of investments expected to be allocated to projects in Oman. A second proposed fund, valued at US$300 million, will be established with China Merchants Bank, building on an investment relationship dating back to 2019.

These arrangements could strengthen Oman's access to international capital while supporting investment in strategic industries and emerging technologies.

Additional agreements with Chinese financial institutions and investment managers aim to expand cooperation in asset management, investment financing and capital markets.

Renewable Energy and Industrial Development Take Centre Stage

Renewable energy represents a major component of the investment package, reinforcing Oman's ambitions to develop a more diversified and sustainable energy sector.

A proposed US$100 million partnership involving BCG and Hoymiles aims to develop solar energy projects and establish a solar inverter manufacturing facility serving Oman and wider Middle Eastern and North African markets.

Meanwhile, Nama Holding and State Grid International Development agreed to cooperate on battery energy storage projects in Duqm and Ibri, with a combined targeted capacity of 1 gigawatt.

In wind energy, O-Green and Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group announced cooperation on research, turbine testing and technology development in Duqm, including adapting equipment to regional climate conditions.

Together, these initiatives indicate growing opportunities not only in renewable energy generation but also in equipment manufacturing, energy storage, engineering services and industrial supply chains.

Mining and Logistics Partnerships Strengthen Oman's Industrial Base

Oman's mining sector is also expected to benefit from expanded Chinese participation.

Minerals Development Oman signed a contract worth approximately US$418.7 million with Hongda International for integrated mining services at the Mazoon Copper and Gold Project in Yanqul.

The agreement covers mining operations, transportation, infrastructure and related services, supporting the development of Oman's mineral resources.

In logistics, Asyad Group signed an agreement with Chinese e-commerce company JD.com to develop warehousing and distribution infrastructure.

The initial plans include three logistics facilities at Muscat International Airport Free Zone, Khazaen Economic City and Sohar Free Zone.

The partnership could further strengthen Oman's position as a regional logistics and distribution hub, particularly for trade flows connecting Asia, the Gulf and East Africa.

Technology, Digital Transformation and Space Cooperation Expand

Beyond traditional infrastructure and industrial sectors, the agreements place considerable emphasis on advanced technologies and knowledge-based industries.

Cooperation involving Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Omantel and Chinese technology partners includes government digital transformation and advanced computing infrastructure.

A separate initiative involving Huawei's Ascend computing technology aims to strengthen the Sultanate's digital capabilities.

In the space sector, agreements between Oman Lens and Star Vision Aerospace cover satellite development, specialist training and research cooperation.

The announced initiatives include:

• Development, launch and operation of seven satellites in an initial phase.

• Establishment of a joint space artificial intelligence laboratory.

• Postgraduate scholarships for 30 Omanis in China.

• Specialist training opportunities for 1,000 Omani professionals.

These initiatives highlight the increasing importance of technology localisation, workforce development and international knowledge transfer within Oman's economic diversification strategy.

What Do These Agreements Mean for International Businesses?

The scale and diversity of the Oman-China agreements offer several important signals for international investors, technology providers and businesses exploring opportunities in the Sultanate.

First, Oman is expanding its role as an investment and industrial destination. The proposed manufacturing facilities, renewable energy projects and logistics infrastructure demonstrate an emphasis on developing productive capabilities within the country rather than relying exclusively on imports and trade.

Second, opportunities may extend beyond the principal Chinese investors. As projects progress, potential demand could emerge for specialised engineering, equipment supply, technology integration, industrial maintenance, consulting and professional services.

Third, strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly important. International companies seeking to participate in Oman's developing industrial ecosystem may benefit from identifying suitable local partners, understanding sector-specific regulations and aligning their offerings with national development priorities.

Finally, implementation will determine the commercial impact. Several announced arrangements remain preliminary agreements or memoranda of understanding. Their eventual economic contribution will depend on financing, regulatory approvals, project execution and market conditions.

For businesses evaluating market entry, distinguishing between announced investment commitments, projects under development and operational opportunities will be essential.

Outlook: A New Phase in Oman-China Economic Cooperation

The agreements coincide with broader discussions between Oman and China on expanding bilateral trade, investment and technology cooperation.

During the state visit, Oman also expressed openness to a preferential trade and investment agreement with China, potentially creating further opportunities for bilateral commercial engagement.

For Oman, the immediate priority will be translating these partnerships into commercially viable projects, industrial capabilities and long-term economic value.

For international businesses, the developments reinforce the importance of monitoring Oman's evolving investment landscape, particularly in renewable energy, mining, logistics, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

As Oman advances its Vision 2040 diversification agenda, the growing scale of international investment partnerships could create new opportunities for companies capable of contributing specialised expertise, technology and market capabilities.

Sources and References

1. Oman News Agency, 2 November 2026. Oman Investment Authority Expands Investment and Economic Partnerships with China. Republished by Times of Oman.

2. Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2 November 2026. Joint Statement from Oman and China.

3. Muscat Daily, 2 November 2026. Oman, China Sign 23 Investment Partnerships Worth Billions of Dollars.

4. Oman Observer, 2 November 2026. Oman, China Sign 23 Investment Deals Worth Billions.

5. Oman Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, 2 November 2026. Oman-China Meeting to Strengthen Partnerships in Logistics and Technology.