At around USD 200 million, bilateral merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Oman is steadily growing, and as per Simon Chan, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Dubai, both sides are currently strengthening investment, trade, and business cooperation.
Speaking to Times of Oman, on the sidelines of the Oman-Hong Kong Business Forum in Muscat, Chan said the two economies have significant untapped potential and that Hong Kong is well placed to help Omani businesses access mainland China and the wider Asian market.
As per the official, Oman-China relations have continued to strengthen over the years, with the world’s second-largest economy remaining Oman’s biggest trading partner and a key partner under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He noted the partnerships’ evolution beyond traditional sectors such as energy and infrastructure into high-growth areas including renewable energy, advanced technology, and the digital economy, complementing the goals of “Oman Vision 2040.”
“Hong Kong plays an important role in this flourishing partnership,” Chan said, highlighting the city’s unique position under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
As per Chan, Hong Kong has emerged as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” that links international businesses with mainland China and the wider Asian region, making it an ideal platform for Omani companies looking to expand overseas.
Talking about the “Oman-Hong Kong Business Forum,” the event organised by HKETO Dubai in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by Invest Oman, it saw the participation from more than 150 representatives from government agencies, trade organisations and the private sector. The forum also showcased opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economic regions. As per the officials, the GBA offers businesses access to advanced manufacturing, innovation, financial services, and a vast consumer market.
Speakers included Juhaina Al Balushi, Head of Marketing at Invest Oman; Daniel Lam, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at HKTDC; Sultan Abdulla, Head of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong; and Nassif Mahfoud, Deputy Director for the Middle East at HKTDC. The discussions focused on enhancing trade, attracting investment, and encouraging businesses from Oman and Hong Kong to establish partnerships and expand into new markets.
During the event, HKETO Dubai also highlighted its commitment to supporting the “Economic and Trade Express” platform, a joint initiative with Invest Hong Kong and HKTDC that helps Hong Kong’s SMEs and start-ups explore overseas opportunities while attracting foreign companies to invest and establish operations in Hong Kong.