Omani-Chinese friendship forum focuses on utilising historical ties

SALALAH – An Omani-Chinese friendship forum held in Salalah today laid emphasis on historical relations as a springboard for establishing a more prosperous future. The forum, attended by specialists and experts, studied determinants of bilateral cooperation.

The discussions took place during the 2nd edition of the forum organised by Al Roya Newspaper, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Sultanate of Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association,

HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, was the chief guest at the forum, titled “New Tracks of Cooperation Pave the Way for a Common Future”.

Hatim Hamad Al Taie, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Roya Newspaper, said that commercial exchange between Oman and China exceeded the $40.45 billion mark. He added that Chinese investments in Oman stood at more than $6.6 billion, with investments in the energy and petrochemicals sector comprising 76 percent.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Sultanate of Oman, said that the city of Salalah has special importance in the context of Omani-Chinese friendship relations. “Salalah is an important historical station for commercial exchange along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. The famous Chinese navigator Zheng He and his fleet made several visits to Salalah 600 years ago, bringing Chinese silk and porcelain and returning with Omani frankincense and spices,” said the Chinese official.

Economic, commercial and investment cooperation between the two countries is picking up pace, said the Chinese official, noting that the People’s Republic of China emerges as the largest trading partner and the largest importer of Omani crude oil.

The Chargé d’Affaires pointed out that the volume of bilateral commercial exchange between the two countries from January to May 2024 amounted to more than $15 billion, up by 8 percent, compared to the corresponding period in 2023. He added that major projects are being implemented in the fields of new energy, mining, electricity generation, information technology and communications in Oman.

(ONA)