"Chamber of Commerce": Integration between "New Kuwait 2035" and "Oman 2040" visions is a strategic opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two countries

The Deputy General Manager of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emad Al-Zaid, confirmed on Wednesday that the integration between Kuwait’s “New Kuwait 2035” vision and Oman’s “Oman 2040” vision represents a strategic opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the sectors of logistics, industry, energy, modern technologies, and the digital economy.

Speaking at a meeting with an Omani economic delegation hosted by the Chamber, Al-Zaid stated that Kuwait-Oman relations exemplify a Gulf model of understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect, grounded in strong historical ties and a shared vision that recognizes the importance of economic integration for achieving sustainable development.

He added that relations between the two countries are entering a new phase of strategic partnership under the patronage and guidance of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, and his brother His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, contributing to expanding the horizons of cooperation and strengthening the progress of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Al-Zaid noted that Kuwaiti investments in the Sultanate of Oman grew by 4.6 percent during the first quarter of 2026, reaching approximately $3.76 billion, thereby reinforcing Kuwait’s position as one of the most prominent investment partners for the Sultanate.

He pointed out that the Kuwait-Oman Business Forum for Trade and Investment, hosted by the Chamber on May 13, 2024, on the sidelines of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s visit to Kuwait, embodied the depth of economic relations between the two brotherly nations.

He emphasized that the economic opportunities available between Kuwait and Oman still exceed the current level of cooperation, and that the potential possessed by both countries allows for doubling the volume of bilateral trade and joint investments in the coming years.

In this regard, Al-Zaid stressed the importance of enhancing economic, commercial, and investment partnerships with the Sultanate of Oman and expanding cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries, particularly in logistics, ports, free economic zones, and supply chains. He affirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen cooperation between the private sectors of both countries and establish joint projects.

He added that rapid transformations in international trade and supply chains necessitate diversifying trade transport routes and enhancing their resilience to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of trade flows. He highlighted the importance of investing in logistics infrastructure and economic gateways to enhance the competitiveness of Gulf economies.

He noted that the Sultanate of Oman has succeeded in building an advanced logistics system, leveraging its strategic geographic location and investments in port development, infrastructure, and economic zones, which has strengthened its position as a regional logistics hub linking Gulf markets with Asia, Africa, and the world.

For his part, Economic Advisor at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bader bin Saif Al-Awfi, in a similar statement, emphasized the importance of converting the available commercial and investment opportunities between the two countries into actual and sustainable partnerships and projects that enhance economic integration between the Kuwaiti and Omani private sectors.

Al-Awfi stated that the fraternal and historical relations binding the two countries form a solid foundation for developing economic cooperation, noting the importance of keeping pace with the advanced level of political relations with deeper and more sustainable economic, commercial, and investment ties.

He added that the meeting represents a practical platform for expanding cooperation in the sectors of trade, transport, logistics, and supply chains, and for exploring new partnership opportunities between Kuwaiti and Omani companies.

Al-Awfi clarified that the logistics sector plays an increasingly vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of economies, facilitating international trade, and attracting investments.

Especially in light of the challenges facing global supply chains and the need to diversify trade routes. He noted that the Sultanate of Oman possesses strategic assets, including its geographic location overlooking the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea, a network of ports and economic and free zones, advanced infrastructure, and transport, shipping, storage, distribution, and re-export services. Al-Awafi explained that these assets offer promising opportunities for Kuwaiti companies to enter the Omani market, expand the reach of their products, and leverage the capacities of the ports of Sohar, Salalah, Duqm, and other Omani ports for cargo handling and re-export to regional markets. He affirmed the readiness of Omani ports to serve businessmen and Kuwaiti companies in import, export, and re-export operations, emphasizing the importance of establishing direct partnerships between Kuwaiti exporters and importers and distributors in the Sultanate, which would contribute to improving cost efficiency and delivery schedules. Al-Awafi stressed the importance of leveraging the Economic Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to enhance GCC economic integration and develop sustainable partnerships that go beyond current circumstances and challenges. He called on business leaders and companies in both countries to capitalize on the meeting to hold direct dialogues, identify potential partners, and build commercial and investment relationships based on mutual interests and benefits. The meeting featured several presentations, including a video presentation on logistics options amid regional developments, titled “The Green Corridor,” delivered by the Royal Oman Police, and a presentation on “Special Economic Zones and Free Zones” provided by the General Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. The presentations also included a session by Asyad Group titled “Asyad Services and Their Role in Linking Regional and Global Markets,” and another on “Sohar Port: A Strategic Gateway to Enhance Trade and Logistics Linkages between the Sultanate of Oman and Regional Markets,” presented by Sohar Port and Free Zone.