ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Oman outlined new opportunities to expand investment, financial cooperation, energy, logistics and agricultural ties at a Kazakh-Omani business forum held during Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said’s state visit to Kazakhstan on Oct. 6.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivers a speech at the Kazakh-Omani Business Forum in Astana on Oct. 6. Photo credit: Akorda.
Investment cooperation
Addressing the forum, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the high-level talks during the visit had laid a strong foundation for closer economic cooperation.
Tokayev called for a stronger legal and institutional framework for trade and investment, saying greater protections for investors would help create more predictable, transparent and reliable business conditions.
He also urged business to establish stronger direct ties.
“I am confident that the establishment of the Kazakh-Omani Business Council will become a practical platform for active interaction between business representatives,” he said.
Financial partnership
President Tokayev welcomed an agreement to establish a joint investment structure between Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and the Oman Investment Authority, describing it as an important mechanism to mobilize financing and attract additional investment.
“We also see significant potential for cooperation with the recently established Oman International Financial Center. Establishing direct relations between the financial institutions of our two countries opens up new opportunities and avenues for mutual investment,” Tokayev said.
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. Photo credit: Akorda.
Energy and mining
Tokayev identified energy and mining as another area for expansion, saying existing cooperation could pave a way for new joint ventures.
“Combining our capabilities in these vital areas will enable us to create new joint ventures that ensure the long-term prosperity of both countries,” Tokayev said.
Transport and agriculture
Tokayev described Oman as an important transit and logistics partner, citing its strategic geographic position, port infrastructure and access to Middle Eastern and African markets.
Kazakhstan, he said, brings extensive natural resources, an established industrial base and a strategic position along emerging transport routes connecting Asia and Europe, alongside plans to further strengthen connectivity.
Tokayev also called for greater cooperation in agriculture and food security, highlighting Kazakhstan’s large agricultural land base.
“Kazakhstan, with its extensive agricultural lands, is ready to become a reliable partner in ensuring the long-term food security of the entire Gulf region,” Tokayev said.
From agreements to projects
He identified implementing agreements reached at the political level as the key priority for the next stage of bilateral relations.
“By actively engaging our business communities, we can take economic relations to a new level,” Tokayev said.
