Oman Participates in World Free Zones Conference in China, Showcasing $54 Billion in Investments
Hainan, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz), participated in the World Free Zones Conference held in Haikou, Hainan Province, China. The event marked the 11th global gathering of the World Free Zones Organisation (WFZO), held under the theme “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation.”
Delegates at the conference discussed the evolving role of special economic zones (SEZs) and free zones in promoting global trade and sustainable development amid dynamic trade policies, climate challenges, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence and renewable energy technologies.
The Omani delegation was led by Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of Opaz, and included representatives from the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and the Sohar Free Zone.
In his remarks at the conference’s strategic ministerial meeting, Sheikh Al Sunaidy highlighted the importance of digital transformation and international economic integration among free zones. He stressed the pivotal role of modern technology and renewable energy in advancing clean industries, strengthening supply chains, and facilitating the movement of industrial operations across regions.
He also reviewed Oman’s achievements in the development of its special economic and free zones, noting significant progress in renewable energy, green industries, and logistics. Emphasizing the importance of integration between ports and economic zones as a foundation for sustainable growth, Al Sunaidy reported that total investments across Oman’s 15 economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities had reached USD 54 billion by the end of 2024.
During the conference, Al Sunaidy participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Pathways to Prosperity: Free Zones and the Future of Trade,” which explored shifting global supply chains and the expanding role of free zones in enhancing economic openness and regional integration. Additional sessions focused on the global green transition and the adoption of carbon neutrality standards.
The Omani delegation also held meetings with representatives from economic and free zones in various countries to exchange expertise and explore avenues for cooperation to boost investment and trade. Discussions were held with companies seeking to expand their operations in Oman’s medical, pharmaceutical, and green energy industrial clusters, where the delegation highlighted the competitive incentives and facilities offered by Oman’s SEZs and free zones.
As part of their visit, the delegation conducted field tours of the International Economic Development Office in Hainan Province and the Jiangdong Free Trade Zone, where they were briefed on the province’s roadmap to transform entirely into a free trade zone by December.
The conference also featured an Executive Leadership Program focusing on innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability, as well as digital solutions for trade restructuring and smart management of economic zones.
Oman’s participation follows its recent accession to the World Free Zones Organisation, reaffirming the Sultanate’s commitment to strengthening its international economic presence, promoting best practices, and attracting targeted investments to support economic diversification and sustainable growth.
