China committed to invest in Oman, says ambassador

Muscat: Oman’s position on peaceful coexistence means the Sultanate can expect more Chinese investment and tourism in the near future, as the east Asian nation seeks to secure stronger economic and political ties with Oman and the rest of the
Arab nations.
The move comes in the wake of the China-Arab summit, which was organised by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing
last week.
Regarding future relations, while speaking to the Times of Oman, Yu Fulong, Ambassador of China to the Sultanate said, “China and the Arab states are embarking on a new era which has already begun. We are setting up more facilities for people from China to visit Oman. Oman has provided us a political guarantee which will help both of us
benefit more.
“Oman contributes immensely to the regional peace and stability of the entire region, and the next step we want to take is to place emphasis on the importance of working together, hand-in-hand, to accelerate industrial capacity building on the basis on the foundations of mutual respect, justice and righteousness,” he added. “We want to work together to build a community of a shared future for mankind.”
Fulong emphasised China’s commitment towards continuing to invest in projects across the Sultanate, which are part of its One Belt One Road initiative, which is China’s plan to become an even larger world player in the field of international trade.
Oman’s unique geopolitical and geographic position on the Arabian Sea makes it a key hub for regional trade, with the ability to set up corridors through the Sultanate to East Africa, South East Asia and Europe.
“There are more and more Chinese projects coming to Oman, with plans in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah, as well as Duqm,” said Fulong. “The investment in Oman will be a mix of government and private funding, which will ideally depend on projects. Some projects will have bilateral investment, but there will be others were trilateral investment.
“China highly values its friendship with Oman and we believe that this is a good chance for people to discuss comprehensive development implemented on a step-by-step basis,” he added. “We encourage the Arab nations to grasp this opportunity based on their own national conditions and conduct bilateral or even multilateral negotiations.”
President Xi has dubbed China’s efforts to build warmer diplomatic relations with the Middle East as ‘Oil and Gas Plus,’ with an emphasis on not just further exploration of conventional fossil fuels, but also assisting the Gulf nations with their plans for economic diversification, an opportunity that dovetails with Oman’s Tanfeedh plans for economic diversification.
Free trade agreements
“We are discussing Free Trade Agreements and the establishment of a Reform and Development Research Centre, which will contribute towards intelligent development, promoting harmony and healthy development, and also help fight the extremism and hatred which is found on the internet,” said Fulong.
“This will also include the setup of an Information Exchange Centre, which will be in the form of an e-library. This will give us the new momentum for development, which will promote peaceful growth. “The root causes of wars are a lack of solutions, infrastructure and development,” he added.
“This is why peace and development are at the core of our main themes with the Arab states. We will conduct this through consultation and dialogue, maritime agreements, humanitarian assistance and economic construction and the revitalisation of industry. This is based on the concept of inclusiveness and mutual appreciation, through strategic mutual confidence so that the Arab nations can realise their dreams of revitalisation and mutual benefit.
“Whatever the difficulties, China values the traditional friendship and mutual cooperation it has with the Arab nations,” explained Fulong.
“Whatever the difficulties, China has always regarded the Arab nations as good partners and brothers, and we have always shared our joys and endured our sorrows together.”