Oman-Iraq Trade Surges Past RO 239 Million in H1 2025: Key Opportunities for Investors and Businesses
The trade volume between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq reached RO 239.24 million during the first half of 2025, reflecting a 1.2% increase compared to RO 156.55 million recorded in the same period of 2024, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Omani exports to Iraq during this period amounted to approximately RO 32.84 million, while imports from Iraq reached RO 206.40 million. Furthermore, the number of visitors from Iraq to Oman between January and July 2025 totaled 11,558.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion reported that 1,304 Iraqi companies invested in Oman during the first half of 2025, with a total capital investment of around RO 94.3 million and an Iraqi contribution rate of 68.2%.
Key Omani exports to Iraq included electrical cables, gold jewelry, and marble. On the other hand, imports from Iraq were mainly natural gas, petroleum gas, and propane gas mixtures.
Several agreements underpin the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, including the Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement, the Air Services Agreement, and an agreement to establish a free trade zone.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the recent visit of Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, to Oman highlights the deep and expanding cooperation between the countries, particularly in the economic sector. He noted the visit as a pivotal opportunity to enhance economic and trade relations, with promising prospects for private sector collaboration in areas such as energy, mining, petrochemicals, trade, transportation, logistics, tourism, food industries, and agriculture.
Al Rowas highlighted Iraq as an attractive investment destination, citing its “Development Road” project, which offers extensive integration opportunities, including international logistics connectivity linking the Gulf to Europe—opening significant prospects for Omani companies specializing in transportation and logistics.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthening communication between the business communities, promoting joint investments, and facilitating knowledge exchange. These efforts aim to diversify income sources, create new employment opportunities, and enhance cooperation in the private sector, thereby reinforcing the historic and fraternal ties between Oman and Iraq.
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The steady 1.2% growth in trade volume between Oman and Iraq, coupled with strong Iraqi investment in Oman, signals expanding economic integration and cross-border opportunities. Businesses should leverage emerging prospects in energy, logistics, mining, and tourism, while investors eyeing the "Development Road" project can gain early advantage by participating in trans-regional infrastructure linking the Gulf with Europe. To capitalize, smart entrepreneurs must focus on partnerships that enhance private sector collaboration and diversify income streams amid evolving bilateral agreements and free trade zones.
