Oman’s Commerce Minister: Omani-Saudi Trade, Economic Ties Witness Significant Growth

General view of Riyadh. SPA
General view of Riyadh. SPA
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Oman’s Commerce Minister: Omani-Saudi Trade, Economic Ties Witness Significant Growth

General view of Riyadh. SPA
General view of Riyadh. SPA

Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammad Al-Yousef has said that trade and economic relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia are experiencing significant growth, reflecting the strength of the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries.

During a news conference organized by the Omani Ministry of Information under the theme "Oman and the World," Al-Yousef explained on Thursday that joint projects reflect the efforts made to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas that support trade exchange, regional economic development and expanding cooperation in fields such as energy, industry, technology, and tourism.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in opening the land route linking the Kingdom to Oman, which represents a qualitative leap in enhancing bilateral trade movement. It has facilitated the mobility of both companies and citizens and boosted tourism and public communication, alongside supporting both nations’ efforts to achieve economic integration through building advanced infrastructure, he said.

"Saudi-Omani relations are strong and prosperous, witnessing growth in all areas. We are confident that the continued cooperation between us will yield strategic gains that serve the interests of both countries in the commercial, industrial, or tourism sectors,” the minister said.

He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing the industrial sector and modernizing the logistical infrastructure, which opens new horizons for joint cooperation, especially in areas related to industrial integration and investment in major projects.

He highlighted the recent visit by Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi to Oman, where he discussed several initiatives that both sides aim to implement in the near future, as well as opportunities to launch joint projects between the private sectors of both countries, particularly in industrial fields.

Al-Yousef stressed the Saudi-Omani relationship serves as a model for Arab economic cooperation, and that the future holds many opportunities to strengthen this cooperation at all levels.



Oil Climbs as Market Steadies after US Tariff Concerns

FILE PHOTO: File photograph of Tengizchevroil oil and gas refinery plant on Tengiz oil field in western Kazakhstan, August 24, 2004. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: File photograph of Tengizchevroil oil and gas refinery plant on Tengiz oil field in western Kazakhstan, August 24, 2004. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/File Photo
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Oil Climbs as Market Steadies after US Tariff Concerns

FILE PHOTO: File photograph of Tengizchevroil oil and gas refinery plant on Tengiz oil field in western Kazakhstan, August 24, 2004. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: File photograph of Tengizchevroil oil and gas refinery plant on Tengiz oil field in western Kazakhstan, August 24, 2004. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/File Photo

Oil prices ticked higher on Monday, rebounding after declines last week on concerns about a global trade war, as investors appeared to shrug off US President Donald Trump's latest threat, this time on steel and aluminium imports.
Brent crude futures was up 74 cents, or 1%, to $75.40 a barrel by 0938 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude also climbed 1%, or 72 cents, at $71.72 a barrel, Reuters reported. The market posted its third consecutive weekly decline last week on concerns about a global trade war.
"It's tariff uncertainty which is the name of the game. This affects risk appetite in general and has spillover effects into oil," said Harry Tchilinguiran, group head of research at Onyx Capital.
Trump said he will announce on Monday 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US, in another major escalation of his trade policy overhaul.
Just a week ago, the president announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, but suspended those for the neighboring countries the next day.
There are concerns that tariffs could dampen global economic growth and energy demand. But in light of Trump's temporary backdown last week, investors appeared to be shrugging off the steel and aluminium tariff threat for now, Tony Sycamore, a Sydney-based analyst at IG said.
"The market has realized tariff headlines are likely to continue in the weeks and months ahead," he said, adding that there was an equal chance they could be walked back or even increased at some point in the near future.
"So perhaps investors are coming to the conclusion it's not the best course of action to react to every headline negatively."
China's retaliatory tariffs on some US exports are due to take effect on Monday, with no sign as yet of progress in talks between Beijing and Washington.
Oil and gas traders are seeking waivers from Beijing for US crude and liquefied natural gas imports.
Trump said on Sunday that the US is making progress with Russia to end the Ukraine war, but declined to provide details about any communications he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sanctions imposed on Russian oil trade on January 10 disrupted Moscow's supplies to its top clients China and India.
Washington also stepped up pressure on Iran last week, with the US Treasury imposing new sanctions on a few individuals and tankers that help to ship millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil per year to China.
Sanctions on Iran and failure to reach a nuclear deal are upside risks to oil prices even though Trump's policies are aimed at driving energy prices lower, Citi analysts said in a note.
"We see oil likely trading sideways to down over the next month or so, with the fundamental downward pressure building on crude in our base case throughout the year," they said.
Brent is forecast to average $60 to $65 a barrel in the second half of 2025 as Trump will be persistent in his desire to lower energy prices, and he will ultimately prove to be a bearish influence on the oil market, Citi said.