Tuesday 09 / December / 2025
Muscat: Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, received in his office on Tuesday Nicolas Forissier, French Minister Delegate for Foreign and Economic Attractiveness, and his accompanying delegation.
The visit aims to bolster economic cooperation and explore new partnership avenues between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing bilateral trade and expanding mutual investments.
They also underscored the importance of revitalising negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), a step seen as crucial for boosting trade flows and facilitating market access for businesses.
The ministers reviewed the current state of economic cooperation and identified promising areas for future collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
They also explored opportunities for Omani participation in key French-hosted economic forums, such as the “Gulf Vision Forum,” which serves as a significant platform for promoting cross-border investment.
In a separate expanded session, Al Yousef met with representatives of French companies under the banner of the “MEDEF” business federation. Discussions cantered on investment prospects within the Sultanate of Oman, with the French delegation outlining their activities in sectors including modern technology, infrastructure, industry and services.
They expressed strong interest in exploring opportunities within Oman’s economic and free zones.
The dialogue also addressed the facilitative environment Oman offers to foreign investors and explored establishing ongoing business-to-business engagement channels between Omani and French companies to develop joint projects that support economic growth.
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion affirmed the positive trajectory of Omani-French relations, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening cooperation across economic and investment spheres.
He highlighted that the priority sectors outlined in Oman Vision 2040 present substantial opportunities for French companies, underpinned by a supportive regulatory framework and attractive investment incentives.
Trade between Oman and France grew by 33.5% in the first half of 2025, reaching OMR49 million. Furthermore, by the end of October 2025, the number of companies with French equity participation operating in Oman stood at 207.
