Oman-India CEPA: Unlocking New Business Opportunities and Investment Growth for Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT, DECEMBER 17, 2025 — A summit focused on enhancing Omani-Indian business opportunities took place today, ahead of the anticipated signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Oman and India. The event was co-organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), Invest Oman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Invest India.
In his keynote address, Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasized the strategic importance of the economic relationship between the two countries. He stated, “India is a global economic powerhouse whose growth continues to influence regional and international markets. Oman recognizes India’s scale and ambition, as well as its own unique contributions to this partnership. Our relationship is defined not by size but by mutual complementarity. The historic trade routes that once connected our ports remain vital today, linking India to the Gulf, East Africa, and global markets through Oman’s advanced logistics corridors, ports, and industrial hubs.”
Al Yousef highlighted that bilateral trade surpassed $2.7 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 63 percent increase since 2020 and demonstrating robust momentum and diversification. “India ranks as Oman’s third-largest trading partner, while Oman remains an attractive destination for Indian investments across key sectors. Indian investment in Oman has more than tripled since 2020, now totaling $5 billion, spanning industries such as green steel, green ammonia, aluminium manufacturing, and logistics. This reflects confidence in Oman as a sustainable operational base, not just a market,” he said.
The minister also noted the growing presence of Omani companies in India, which is strengthening supply chains and connectivity between the two economies. He drew attention to the dedicated investment fund created in collaboration with the Oman Investment Authority, underscoring that these investments signify trust in institutional frameworks, not just market prospects.
Regarding the forthcoming Free Trade Agreement, also known as CEPA, Al Yousef emphasized that while the agreement lays a critical foundation, its true potential lies in effective implementation. “The agreement is a strategic instrument to boost investments, enhance supply chains, and promote joint growth—not only in trade but also in production, innovation, and regional integration. I encourage business leaders from Oman and India to fully leverage this opportunity,” he said.
Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in his opening remarks, described the agreement as a historic landmark in bilateral relations. He noted that this will be the first free trade agreement Oman has signed with any country in 17 years. Goyal highlighted the agreement’s broad potential across sectors such as textiles, footwear, automobiles, gems and jewellery, agrochemicals, renewable energy, and auto components, positioning Oman as a strategic gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.
He further identified promising collaboration opportunities in services sectors including professional services, accounting, business processes, research and development, tourism, healthcare, and education. Tourism, in particular, was cited as a sector with significant growth potential. Looking forward, Goyal outlined four priority areas for future cooperation: energy transition—encompassing renewables, battery storage, green hydrogen, and ammonia—infrastructure and multimodal logistics, food security, and startups and technology, including artificial intelligence.
The summit featured investment presentations from Invest Oman and Invest India, followed by two panel discussions on expanding trade relations and advancing investment partnerships between Oman and India. The event concluded with a networking lunch.
The signing of the Free Trade Agreement is expected to coincide with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Sultanate of Oman.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The impending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Oman and India marks a strategic pivot for businesses in Oman, unlocking vast opportunities in sectors like green energy, logistics, and technology while enhancing Oman’s role as a critical trade and investment hub. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should capitalize on the deepening bilateral ties and growing Indian investments, focusing on synergistic industries such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and startups to drive long-term growth and regional linkage. However, the true challenge lies in effective implementation to transform trade frameworks into tangible economic gains, necessitating agile strategies and proactive engagement.
