Reinforcing its commitment to Oman Vision 2040’s objectives of economic diversification and stronger integration with global markets, Sohar International participated in the Investment Partnerships Horizons Conference, jointly organised by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Bank of China. Held in Beijing during the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the People’s Republic of China, the conference provided a platform to strengthen bilateral investment cooperation and explore emerging economic opportunities. As the only participating Omani commercial bank, Sohar International signed three strategic agreements with leading Chinese financial institutions. The bank also supported a promotional campaign highlighting Oman’s economic opportunities, strategic geographical location, stability and tourism attractions, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in China.
Sohar International’s participation in the conference provided an opportunity to engage with financial institutions and business representatives from Oman and China, exchange perspectives on potential areas of cooperation, and explore opportunities aligned with the bank’s international growth strategy. The participation also reflects Sohar International’s continued focus on strengthening its relationships across the Asia-Pacific region and identifying opportunities to support customers engaged in cross-border trade, investment and business activities.
Building on its existing banking capabilities and international network, Sohar International continues to explore opportunities to expand its financial partnerships and develop solutions that respond to the evolving needs of its customers. These efforts support the bank’s ambitions to facilitate cross-border business activities, broaden access to financial and investment opportunities, and contribute to Oman’s economic diversification objectives under Oman Vision 2040.
A defining highlight of Sohar International’s participation was the signing of three strategic agreements with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, E Fund Management (Hong Kong) and BOCHK Asset Management. Collectively, these agreements establish frameworks for cooperation spanning trade and supply chain finance, cross-border settlement, corporate and project financing, asset and wealth management, and investment solutions. They reflect the bank’s strategic approach to developing an interconnected network of international financial partnerships that support business expansion, facilitate investment opportunities and contribute to Oman’s long-term economic diversification objectives.
The agreements were signed on behalf of Sohar International by Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer, alongside representatives of the respective Chinese institutions: Mr. Weizhong Zhang, Chairman of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank; Mr. Carter Shi, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of E Fund Management (Hong Kong); and Ms. Li Tong, Chairman of BOCHK Asset Management.
Commenting on the bank’s participation, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said: “The State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the People’s Republic of China marks an important milestone in the longstanding relationship between our two nations, creating new opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen institutional partnerships. Our participation in this conference, jointly organised by OIA and Bank of China, reflects our commitment to advancing Oman Vision 2040 by connecting national economic priorities with international capital, expertise and markets. As a national financial institution, we have a role to play in enabling businesses to grow beyond borders and developing partnerships that contribute to a diversified and globally connected economy. These three agreements strengthen our ability to support trade, cross-border banking and investment solutions, while broadening our relationships across Asia-Pacific. Alongside our collaboration with the Embassy to showcase Oman’s economic opportunities, strategic location, stability and tourism appeal, they demonstrate how we are putting our international ambitions to work in support of the Sultanate’s progress.”
As part of its efforts to strengthen financial and investment ties between Oman and the Asia-Pacific region, Sohar International signed three strategic agreements with leading Chinese financial institutions, including Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPD Bank), E Fund Management (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, and BOCHK Asset Management Limited. The agreements aim to expand cooperation across trade finance, cross-border banking, asset management and investment solutions, strengthening financial connectivity, facilitating trade and investment flows, and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors across both markets. These partnerships further reflect Sohar International’s commitment to expanding its international network and leveraging strategic financial relationships to support economic diversification and reinforce Oman’s position as a regional hub for trade and investment, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
In addition to signing the agreements, Sohar International also supported a promotional campaign in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in China. The campaign presented a broader perspective of Oman, showcasing its economic opportunities, strategic geographical location and stability alongside its tourism attractions. By bringing these complementary strengths to audiences in China, the initiative sought to build awareness of the Sultanate as a destination for business, investment and travel, supporting national efforts to expand international engagement across multiple sectors.
The bank’s participation builds on its expanding international footprint, following the official opening of its Asia-Pacific Representative Office in Hong Kong in September 2026. The office serves as a strategic platform for developing relationships with financial institutions, investors and businesses across the region, facilitating engagement and identifying opportunities for trade, investment and institutional cooperation between Oman and Asia-Pacific.
Together with its established banking operations in Oman and Saudi Arabia, this growing international presence enhances Sohar International’s ability to connect financial markets, facilitate business relationships and support emerging trade and investment corridors between Oman and Asia-Pacific.
Through the signing of three strategic agreements and its collaboration with the Embassy to promote Oman’s wider strengths, Sohar International continues to translate its international growth ambitions into practical contributions to the national economy. These efforts support the diversification, international competitiveness and private sector growth envisaged under Oman Vision 2040, while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to helping customers, communities and people prosper and grow.
