London: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, held the ‘Oman Investment Forum 2025’ in London today, with the aim of strengthening financial, investment, and economic cooperation between the two sides. The forum seeks to boost investor confidence in Oman’s financial position by showcasing success stories and the policies and structural reforms implemented to achieve fiscal balance and sustainability. It also outlines the Government strategies and policies in the financial, investment, and economic sectors, alongside projects and initiatives designed to enhance Oman’s investment attractiveness.
According to Oman News Agency, in the opening session, Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi, Chairman of the Tax Authority and Head of the Omani Delegation to the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), delivered a presentation titled ‘Pathways to Oman’s Financial Stability,’ outlining key fiscal measures and reforms that have underpinned stability and strengthened investor confidence. He underscored the role of the Oman-UK partnership as a driver of long-term economic stability. Al Jashmi emphasized the historical Oman-UK relations as a pillar of friendship and shared prosperity, noting that the UK is currently the largest foreign investor in Oman’s economy, accounting for 51.2% of total FDI.
Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the impact of structural improvements and economic diversification initiatives on attracting investors in his presentation ‘Oman’s Economic Transformation Journey: From Stability to Prosperity.’ He stated that the public debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 68% in 2020 to 34% in 2024, reducing debt service costs by more than 12% from their peak levels since 2020. Al Aweini remarked on the renewed international confidence in Oman’s economy, supported by leading financial institutions and investment funds.
In the first panel discussion, Ahmed Jaafar Al Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman, and Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini discussed key initiatives to strengthen the financial and banking sector. Al Musalmi highlighted Oman’s strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasizing its potential as a competitive regional hub.
In the second session, Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), reviewed global challenges affecting Oman’s financial stability. Mulham Bashir Al Jarf, Deputy Chairman for Investment at the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), discussed the expansion of the Muscat Stock Exchange since its ownership transfer in 2021. Eng. Nasser Khalifa Al Kindi, CEO of the Invest Oman Lounge, underscored the UK as a trusted partner in advancing Oman’s investment landscape.
The forum, organized by Sohar International Bank and HSBC, gathered representatives from investment funds, global banks, financing institutions, and private-sector companies. Additional panel discussions are being held to exchange expertise and advance bilateral cooperation in finance, economics, and investment. The Oman-UK Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) will hold its thirteenth meeting from 23 to 24 October in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.