The Oman Investment Authority is launching a Central Asia fund, with major Chinese institutions likely to become limited partners, as trade ties between the two economies continue to grow stronger.
Ibrahim Al-Eisri, OIA's chief investment officer of private markets, revealed at the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong that bilateral trade between Oman and China exceeded US$30 billion (HK$234 billion) last year, while trade between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reached about US$300 billion.
He highlighted significant opportunities between the Middle East and China, noting substantial investment inflows from Chinese companies seeking new market growth, which Oman is actively supporting.
Al-Eisri stated that OIA invested over US$2 billion in the Greater China region last year across sectors such as healthcare, biotech, and technology. The authority has an office in Hong Kong and launched three funds last year, including partnerships with mainland firms like IDG Capital, to strengthen bilateral connections.
He also noted limited investment from European or U.S. companies, possibly due to the large domestic U.S. market and geographical distance.
Al-Eisri mentioned "Future Fund Oman," which offers up to 40 percent of investment for businesses setting up in Oman, providing confidence to Chinese investors through sovereign fund collaboration. He further disclosed that a larger, government-funded platform will be announced soon.
