Oman, China hold trade talks

Muscat: Potential of Omani products to enter Chinese markets, as well as the possibility of training the Omani cadres at the Chinese centres and institutes in various administrative field were among the topics discussed at the 8th session of the Omani-Chinese Joint Committee yesterday.
During the session the Omani side was chaired by Eng Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry whilst it was headed from the Chinese side by Qian Keming, Deputy Minister of Commerce.
The meeting discussed economic topics of concern to the Sultanate and China in relation to the trade exchange and increasing such exchange in terms of the facilities offered by both countries for investment companies, said Eng Al Dheeb. He added that the meeting presented some projects by the Chinese side in fishery, tourism and medical areas.
He added that the meeting discussed the potential of the Omani products to enter the Chinese markets, as well as the possibility of training the Omani cadres at the Chinese centres and institutes in various administrative fields. He pointed out that the Chinese side expressed preparedness on this.
The meeting also touched on the Chinese companies currently present in Oman and developing and exploring other Omani-Chinese partnerships. The Chinese side viewed two presentations given by the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm (SEZAD) and Omani Integrated Logistic Services on the potentials available at these zones, as well as the major investment opportunities, he said.
The meeting also discussed cooperation in alternative energy and the possibility of benefiting from the Chinese expertise in this field, as well as cooperation in aviation sector through operating direct flights by Oman Air from the Sultanate to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, he said. He affirmed that the Chinese side requested additional quantities of Omani oil.
Omani exports to China in 2014 stood at OMR8.8 billion, a rise of 11.3 % compared to 2013. Omani imports from China stood at OMR540.6 million, up 34.1% from 2013. The number of Chinese companies in the Sultanate stood at 61 whereas the value of their investments as at the end of 2014 stood at OMR6.5 billion.