Latest news with #AlYousef
Observer
14-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Uzbekistan strengthen trade and investment ties
TASHKENT: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan have pledged to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, following the conclusion of the fifth session of the Omani-Uzbek Joint Committee held in Tashkent. The Omani delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, accompanied by Wafa bint Jabr al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to Uzbekistan. Their Uzbek counterparts were headed by Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, along with senior officials from both nations. Discussions during the session focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, logistics, agriculture, higher education, tourism, and culture. Both sides also highlighted the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth. A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to enhance cooperation in the air transport sector, including increased operating rights. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening logistical partnerships, particularly by facilitating the re-export of Uzbek products through Omani ports, reinforcing Oman's role as a regional logistics hub. The two countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in scientific research, innovation, and higher education, with a view to supporting knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. Furthermore, the committee underlined the importance of closer engagement between chambers of commerce and business communities in both countries to boost trade volumes and investment flows. On the sidelines of the committee meeting, Al Yousef held bilateral talks with several senior Uzbek officials, including Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, and Bakhtiar Odilovich Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs. These meetings provided an opportunity to address existing trade challenges and explore new investment prospects. Al Yousef also participated in roundtable discussions involving Omani and Uzbek business leaders, where he promoted Oman as a strategic investment destination. A detailed presentation on the "Invest in Oman" initiative was delivered by Omar al Harthy, Senior Investment Analyst at the Ministry, highlighting the incentives, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure that make Oman attractive to foreign investors. The Omani delegation also conducted a number of field visits, including to the American University of Technology in Tashkent, a subsidiary of Ozman Investment Company, and the Innovation Centre under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technology. These visits served to identify areas for potential collaboration in education and digital transformation. The delegation visited facilities operated by AKFA Group, a leading Uzbek company involved in industrial manufacturing and education. Meetings were also held with representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in electronic payment systems, e-commerce, and textiles. Adding further significance to the visit, Minister Al Yousef attended the inauguration of the Tashkent branch of the Golden Integration Oil and Gas Company. The launch coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Golden Integration and Oman's Seih Al-Sariyah Company, signalling a new chapter of cooperation in the energy sector. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to updating and activating existing bilateral agreements to reflect emerging priorities and global economic trends. The successful session of the joint committee marks a notable step in strengthening Oman-Uzbekistan ties, paving the way for broader collaboration in the years ahead. — ONA
Muscat Daily
12-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Uzbek President receives Omani Minister in Tashkent
Tashkent- President Dr Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan received H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in Tashkent on Wednesday. During the meeting, Al Yousef conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Uzbek President. He reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The minister also extended his congratulations to President Mirziyoyev on the historic qualification of the Uzbekistan national football team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – the country's first-ever appearance on football's biggest stage. He described the achievement as a moment of pride not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Central Asian region. Al Yousef welcomed the Uzbek government's decision to grant Omani citizens a 30-day visa exemption, describing it as a positive step towards enhancing tourism, cultural exchange, and commercial ties between the two nations. He further noted that Oman Air plans to launch direct flights to Tashkent in the near future, aiming to strengthen connectivity and facilitate people-to-people contact. At the conclusion of the meeting, the minister affirmed Oman's unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic partnerships with Uzbekistan, grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a forward-looking vision. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th session of the Omani-Uzbek Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation, in conjunction with high-level roundtable discussions and the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum. The visit aims to expand cooperation and identify joint investment opportunities across key sectors. The meeting was attended by H E Assayida Wafa Jabr al Busaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with senior officials from both countries.
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Oman projects 3.4% economic growth for 2025
Oman's GDP is expected to grow by 3.4% this year, outperforming many global economies — a testament to the resilience of the national economy and international market confidence, said Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. In his opening speech at the Advantage Oman Forum on April 27 in Muscat, Al Yousef said Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows grew by 16.2% in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, Oman's credit rating was upgraded to *BBB-* with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor's, said a Wam news agency report. Organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, the event brings together over 250 prominent figures, including senior officials, decision-makers, and regional and international investors, highlighting Oman's position as a promising investment destination. He emphasised that this forum marks a first-of-its-kind strategic event for Oman, attracting top decision-makers, business leaders, and investors across key sectors. The forum comes as Oman experiences significant growth in economic and investment fields, supported by rising international indicators.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘Oman offers investors stability, sustainability, and global reach'
MUSCAT: In a world facing growing uncertainty and conflict, Oman is offering investors a rare combination of consistency, openness and long-term opportunity, according to H E Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. Speaking at the opening of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025 at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat, Al Yousef told a gathering comprising global CEOs that Oman remains a trusted and stable partner at a time when more than 50 active conflicts are destabilising the global landscape. 'In such a world, Oman offers a rare value — consistency, openness, and reliability,' Al Yousef said. Reflecting on Oman's long history of international engagement, he recalled how Oman sent the first Arab ambassador to the United States in 1844, and continues to act as a quiet but effective bridge between different parts of the world. The minister said Oman's current transformation, driven by Vision 2040 and what he termed as Renaissance 2.0, is firmly focused on building a diversified, future-ready economy. He said the country is working towards becoming one of the world's leading green hydrogen producers, aiming to be the sixth largest by 2030. He also pointed to positive economic indicators, including a GDP growth rate of 3.4 per cent projected for 2025, higher than the global average, and a steady rise in foreign direct investment at an annual growth rate of 18 per cent over the last five years. Al Yousef said Oman's success is backed by strong governance, transparent policies and a legal system that supports the private sector and protects investments. The minister noted that Oman's sovereign credit rating has been upgraded by S&P Global to BBB- with a stable outlook, underlining growing international confidence in the country's economic fundamentals. Highlighting Oman's open trade policies, Al Yousef said the country remains committed to expanding international economic partnerships even as protectionism rises elsewhere. He emphasised the value of Oman's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, offering investors a powerful platform to access one of the world's largest markets from a secure and strategically located base. He said Oman's young, ambitious and globally minded workforce is a key advantage for investors looking at long-term opportunities. 'Our true advantage lies not only in our infrastructure or policies, but in our people,' he said. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman projects 3.4% economic growth for 2025
MUSCAT: Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated that Oman's GDP is expected to grow by 3.4% this year, outperforming many global economies—a testament to the resilience of the national economy and international market confidence. In his opening speech at the Advantage Oman Forum on April 27 in Muscat, Al Yousef said Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows grew by 16.2% in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, Oman's credit rating was upgraded to *BBB-* with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor's. Organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, the event brings together over 250 prominent figures, including senior officials, decision-makers, and regional and international investors, highlighting Oman's position as a promising investment destination. He emphasised that this forum marks a first-of-its-kind strategic event for Oman, attracting top decision-makers, business leaders, and investors across key sectors. The forum comes as Oman experiences significant growth in economic and investment fields, supported by rising international indicators.
