Global cooperation: Oman’s path to a sustainable future

As we navigate through 2025, Oman stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey. The winds of change are sweeping across the global economic landscape, and our nation’s future prosperity increasingly depends on how effectively we can harness the power of international cooperation. Drawing from my years of experience in Oman’s business sector, I see tremendous opportunities for our beloved country to transform challenges into stepping stones for sustainable growth.

The recently released Global Cooperation Barometer 2025 by the World Economic Forum reinforces what many of us in Oman’s business community have long recognised – that in today’s interconnected world, no nation can achieve sustainable economic development in isolation. This reality resonates deeply with Oman’s historical identity as a crossroads of international trade and cooperation.

Our nation has already made significant strides in this direction. Oman’s economic freedom score of 62.9, ranking us 5th among 14 countries in the Middle East/North Africa region, demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment conducive to international business and investment. The expansion of our non-hydrocarbon activities, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and services, showcases our ability to diversify beyond traditional revenue streams.

However, the path ahead requires more than just maintaining current trajectories. As someone deeply involved in Oman’s business landscape, I’ve observed that our greatest opportunities lie in strategic global partnerships that align with Vision 2040’s objectives. The success stories of nations like Singapore and South Korea offer valuable lessons in leveraging international cooperation for economic transformation.

This reality resonates deeply with Oman’s historical identity as a crossroads of international trade and cooperation.

One area where I see immense potential is in positioning Oman as a hub for green technology cooperation. Our geographical location and abundant renewable energy resources make us an ideal partner for international collaboration in sustainable energy projects. The recent global shift towards clean energy presents an opportunity for Oman to become a key player in the green hydrogen economy, attracting significant foreign investment while contributing to global climate goals.

The logistics sector represents another frontier where international cooperation can catalyze growth. Our strategic location between Asia, Africa, and Europe positions us perfectly to become a global logistics hub. But achieving this requires more than just infrastructure – it demands deep integration with international supply chains and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The partnerships we forge today in digital trade and smart port technologies will determine our competitive edge tomorrow.

Tourism, one of our key growth sectors, offers another compelling example of how global cooperation can drive economic diversification. While we’ve made progress in developing our tourism infrastructure, I believe we need to think bigger. Strategic partnerships with international hotel chains, tourism operators, and digital platforms can help us showcase our rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a global audience while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

What’s particularly encouraging is how some of our initiatives are already bearing fruit. Our free trade agreements with various nations have opened new markets for Omani businesses. The U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, for instance, has not only increased bilateral trade but also attracted investment in key sectors. However, we must build on these successes by actively pursuing similar agreements with emerging economic powerhouses.

The technology sector presents perhaps the most exciting frontier for international cooperation. As artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape global industries, Oman must position itself as not just a technology adopter but a contributor to global innovation. This requires fostering partnerships with international technology companies, research institutions, and innovation hubs. Our young, tech-savvy population represents a valuable asset in this journey.

Looking ahead, I believe Oman needs to take several bold steps to maximize the benefits of global cooperation. First, we should establish specialized economic zones focused on future-oriented industries like clean technology, digital services, and biotechnology. These zones should offer unique advantages for international partners while facilitating knowledge transfer to local businesses.

Second, we must invest more in developing our human capital through international educational partnerships. The future economy demands skills that can only be developed through exposure to global best practices and cross-cultural collaboration.

Third, we should leverage our traditional role as a diplomatic bridge-builder to position Oman as a neutral ground for international business cooperation, particularly in emerging sectors where global standards and practices are still evolving.

The time is ripe for Oman to embrace a more ambitious approach to global cooperation. Our stability, strategic location, and commitment to economic modernization provide a strong foundation. What we need now is to move beyond traditional models of international trade and investment to become active shapers of the future global economy.

As we work towards Vision 2040’s goals, let’s remember that global cooperation isn’t just about attracting foreign investment or increasing trade volumes. It’s about positioning Oman as an indispensable partner in addressing global challenges while building a sustainable, diversified economy that benefits all Omanis.

The journey ahead requires courage, innovation, and unwavering commitment to international partnership. But given our rich history as a nation of traders and bridge-builders, I’m confident that Oman will not just adapt to the changing global economic landscape but help shape it. The future belongs to nations that can turn global challenges into opportunities through cooperation, and Oman is well-positioned to be among them.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}