Oman’s Free Zone Strategy Unveiled at Panama Forum: Implications for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Panama City: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the 12th World Free Zones Organisation Conference, held under the theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The Omani delegation, led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), emphasized the need for a new operational framework for economic and free zones during the ministerial roundtable. He noted that rapid geopolitical and economic changes necessitate a focus on flexibility, efficiency, and resilient supply chains.
Al Yousef highlighted Oman’s efforts to develop its economic and free zones into integrated platforms aimed at fostering trade, investment, and industrial growth in response to the fast-evolving global landscape. He pointed out that Oman’s strategic location, coupled with its advanced ports and infrastructure, has reinforced its status as a regional hub for logistics, trade, and value-added industries.
He also reiterated the Authority’s commitment to broadening international partnerships and implementing global best practices to boost the competitiveness of Oman’s economic and free zones, aligning with the nation’s economic diversification objectives.
In addition, Oman participated in the annual general assembly meetings of the World Free Zones Organisation, where members discussed the organization’s priorities in light of shifting global economic and geopolitical landscapes. Several initiatives and programs were adopted during these discussions.
This participation follows the Authority’s official membership in the World Free Zones Organisation, which commenced in July 2025, a strategic move aimed at enhancing international economic cooperation and attracting high-quality investments to Oman’s special economic zones, industrial cities, and free zones.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al Yousef held bilateral meetings with leaders of participating delegations to discuss investment partnerships, share expertise, and explore cooperative opportunities in the development and management of economic and free zones. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s active participation in the World Free Zones Organisation Conference signals a pivotal shift towards enhancing its strategic position as a regional hub for trade and logistics. This creates opportunities for businesses to leverage Oman’s integrated economic zones and advanced infrastructure, while investors should consider aligning their strategies with Oman’s focus on flexibility and resilience in supply chains to mitigate geopolitical risks. As Oman strengthens its international partnerships, entrepreneurs must be proactive in exploring collaborative ventures that align with the country’s diversification goals.
