At a meeting in Hanoi on May 29 with Nasser bin Suliman Al Harthi, Deputy President of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and his delegation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hailed their visit, noting the strong and expanding relationship between Vietnam and Oman across various fields, particularly in investment and economics.

He identified Oman as a leading potential partner in the Middle East, expressing satisfaction with the positive outcomes of their cooperation while emphasizing the vast remaining potential for expansion.

He recalled his recent discussions with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and regional leaders at the ASEAN–GCC Summit, where both sides agreed to promptly initiate negotiations for a Vietnam-GCC Free Trade Agreement. They also pledged to explore investment protection agreements and step up co-operation in digital transformation, renewable energy, financial hubs, green economy, high-tech agriculture, and Halal food.

The Government chief acknowledged the pioneering, effective, and strategic role of the Vietnam-Oman Investment Fund over its 17 years of operation in Vietnam. He praised the fund's long-term vision, sustainable investment, and commitment to Vietnam's socio-economic development, highlighting its selective, focused, and transparent investment approach.

Emphasizing that these investments not only generate economic value but also improve public services, develop social infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for Vietnamese citizens, the PM urged Oman to expand the VOI to US$1 billion. This expansion, he stated, would better support Vietnam's investment and development needs in line with the country's economic scale and offering suitable interest rates.

The Government leader further proposed that Oman and the VOI not only invest in strategic areas like infrastructure, clean water, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and consumer finance, but also support the development of Vietnam's private economy, as well as agriculture and the Halal food industry.

He expressed confidence that with strategic partners like Oman, both nations will build a deeper, more effective, and sustainable cooperative relationship.

In response, Sheikh Nasser bin Suliman Al Harthi underlined Oman's commitment to boosting cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in investment, a highly promising area and a highlight of bilateral relations recently.

He announced that the Oman Investment Authority, in collaboration with the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC), has established the Vietnam New Era Growth Fund with a minimum capital of US$200 million. Sheikh Nasser affirmed that this fund will prioritize investments in high-potential areas in Vietnam, including technology, telecommunications, finance, Halal agriculture, and digital transformation, thereby contributing to enhancinig bilateral trade.

Concurring with PM Chinh’s proposals, especially regarding the expansion of the Vietnam-Oman Investment Fund, OIA Vice President Al Harthi stated that Oman could serve as a gateway for Vietnam into the Middle East.

He affirmed the Oman Investment Authority's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Vietnamese partners, acting as a bridge to promote economic and investment ties between the two countries.

He also encouraged more Omani and Middle Eastern businesses to explore cooperation opportunities in Vietnam and urged Vietnamese enterprises to make use of Oman's port system to boost exports to the Middle East.

State President hosts outgoing ambassadors of Oman, Czech Republic

VOV.VN - State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on July 19 received the outgoing ambassadors of Oman and the Czech Republic who came to bid farewell to the president.