Oman-India Business Forum Signals New Era of Economic Synergy Under CEPA

Muscat: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) hosted a landmark Business Forum in Muscat on September 9, 2026, aimed at accelerating trade and investment integration between India and the Sultanate of Oman. The event served as a strategic platform to maximize the benefits of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which officially entered into force on June 1, 2026.

A Milestone in Bilateral Trade

The forum underscored the significance of CEPA as a cornerstone for future economic cooperation. As the Sultanate’s first bilateral trade pact of its kind, the agreement represents a transformative shift in the diplomatic and commercial roadmap between the two nations.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the OCCI, emphasized that the agreement is far more than a mere policy document; it is a catalyst for economic diversification. “The current phase requires us to translate these preferential advantages into tangible business deals and joint investments,” Al Rowas noted. He encouraged Omani enterprises to aggressively explore the Indian market, leveraging Oman’s strategic logistics infrastructure and free zones to gain a competitive edge.

Unlocking Market Potential

The technical scope of the agreement is extensive. Eng. Said Ali Al Abri, a member of the OCCI Board, highlighted that the pact provides significant market access, with approximately 98 percent of Omani tariff lines now open to Indian goods. Conversely, India has committed to eliminating or reducing customs duties on 77 percent of its tariff lines. Beyond tariff reductions, the agreement fosters an environment conducive to growth by addressing digital trade, intellectual property rights, and the seamless movement of skilled professionals.

Prashant Pise, Ambassador-designate of India to Oman, described the agreement as a gateway to long-term productive partnerships. He noted that the collaboration extends beyond traditional trade volume, aiming to integrate the two economies across high-growth sectors. “We are looking at building enduring investment bridges that align with the developmental priorities of both nations,” Pise stated.

Strategic Roadmap for Investors

The forum featured expert insights on how to operationalize the agreement. Dr. Yousuf Hamad Al Balushi of the Smart Investment Gateway presented a vision for positioning Oman as a prime investment hub for Indian companies, urging a transition from simple trade to value-added production.

Complementing this, Dr. James J. Nedumpara from the Centre for Trade and Investment Law provided an analytical perspective, explaining how the CEPA creates a robust free trade area that significantly exceeds the benefits previously offered under Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) status.

Networking and Future Growth

The event concluded with a series of bilateral meetings, allowing entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to discuss potential joint ventures and specific market expansion strategies. An accompanying exhibition showcased a diverse array of services and products, highlighting the expanding breadth of the India-Oman commercial relationship.

As the forum drew to a close, participants expressed a collective commitment to utilizing the CEPA framework to deepen industrial integration. By fostering stronger links to global value chains and incentivizing private sector engagement, the India-Oman partnership is set to emerge as a primary engine for regional economic stability and growth in the coming decade.

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