India–Oman industrial collaboration gains momentum ahead of IMPEX Oman 2026

By Staff Report October 8, 2025 3:07 pm IST

Oman’s industrial sector surges with 27.5% FDI growth, strengthened India ties via CEPA, and thriving joint ventures, setting the stage for IMPEX Oman 2026, a key industrial expo in Muscat.

Oman is entering a transformative phase in its industrial journey, driven by the Industrial Strategy 2040 and a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI). In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Oman’s industrial sector recorded a 27.5% increase in FDI, reaching RO 2.749 billion, with investments concentrated in strategic sectors such as renewable energy technology manufacturing, food processing, and advanced machinery. 

This industrial momentum is further catalysed by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman, which is set to redefine bilateral trade and investment flows. The CEPA eliminates Oman’s 5% import duties on Indian goods, offering Indian exporters tariff-free access to the Omani market. In return, Oman gains preferential access to Indian infrastructure and energy markets, strengthening its role as a strategic Gulf partner. 

India is already Oman’s third-largest export destination within the GCC, and bilateral trade reached USD 10.6 billion in FY 2024–25. Over 6,000 Indo-Omani joint ventures are active in Oman, with Indian firms particularly prominent in Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm Free Zones. Notable collaborations include the OMIFCO fertiliser project, valued at USD 969 million, which exports nearly its entire output to India. 

Amid this backdrop, IMPEX Oman 2026, the Industrial Manufacturing & Process Engineering Expo, will be held from 21–23 September 2026 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat. The event is poised to be a landmark gathering for industrial stakeholders, featuring:

• Sectoral showcases in manufacturing, energy, logistics, and automation.
• Investment briefings highlighting Oman’s industrial zones and incentives.
• Collaboration forums focused on joint ventures, technology transfer, and supply chain integration.
• Networking platforms for SMEs, large enterprises, and government bodies.

The expo will spotlight Oman’s industrial resilience, as evidenced by a 476% increase in net profits among listed industrial companies in Q2 2025. Key contributors include OQ Basic Industries, Al Jazeera Steel, and Voltamp Energy, reflecting strong performance in basic industries, consumer goods, and energy.