A high-level delegation from Oman visited Port City Colombo this month to discuss expanding bilateral investment and trade opportunities between the two nations, building on a relationship that has seen trade volumes nearly double since 2018.
Port City Colombo hosted a senior Omani delegation led by Pankaj Khimji, an advisor for foreign trade and international cooperation at Oman's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The visit included Ambassador Ahmed Al Rashdi and other ministry officials, marking a reciprocal engagement following Port City Colombo's investor forum in Muscat earlier this year.
During roundtable discussions, both sides explored opportunities for bilateral investment, the potential for an Oman-South Asia Investment and Trade Corridor, and collaboration between their respective special economic zones. Khimji highlighted the existing trade relationship, noting that bilateral trade reached approximately USD 223 million in 2022, nearly double the USD 118 million recorded in 2018. He framed these figures as a foundation rather than a ceiling, encouraging both nations to view the partnership more expansively—positioning Oman as a gateway to larger markets and Port City Colombo as a platform for South Asian access.
Revan Wickramasuriya, Director General of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, emphasized the zone's commitment to providing transparent and equitable regulatory treatment for all businesses regardless of their size or origin. The SEZ currently hosts over 175 registered companies with more than USD 1 billion in investment secured, according to Port City Colombo officials.
The visit reflects growing strategic alignment between the two countries and forms part of Port City Colombo's broader engagement with the Gulf region. Officials described the interaction as a natural continuation of earlier discussions, with both sides signaling commitment to structured economic cooperation.
