The Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the Sultanate’s sovereign wealth fund, is preparing to launch two new investment platforms designed to enhance cross-border investments with a strategic focus on Central Asia and China. The announcement was made by Ibrahim Al-Eisri, Chief Investment Officer for Private Markets at OIA, during the 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong.
Linking China, Oman, and Central Asia
One of the key initiatives is a new Central Asia-focused fund, which will include a major Chinese entity as a Limited Partner (LP). This platform aims to create a strategic investment corridor linking China, Oman, and Central Asia, building on OIA’s extensive 15-year investment experience in the region. OIA’s existing presence includes the $200 million Uzbek-Oman Investment Company, which was established in 2010. Al-Eisri also mentioned plans for another, even larger platform to be announced soon by a government sovereign wealth fund.
Building On Successful Partnerships
These new funds are part of a broader strategy that has seen OIA successfully partner with Chinese firms on multiple ventures. OIA has already established three investment funds in Oman with Chinese partners, totaling nearly $700 million. Through its Future Fund Oman (FFO) vehicle, OIA has recently launched several sector-specific funds, including:
- A $200 million fund with IDG Capital for advanced manufacturing and cleantech.
- A $250 million fund with eWTP Arabia Capital focusing on ICT, renewables, tourism, and agriculture.
- A $200 million fund with Hong Kong-based Templewater for clean energy, smart mobility, and green data centers.
A Two-Way Investment Corridor
The relationship is reciprocal, with OIA actively investing in Chinese markets. Al-Eisri revealed that in the past year alone, OIA invested over $2 billion into Greater China, targeting high-growth sectors such as healthcare, biotech, and technology. This two-way flow of capital underscores Oman’s role as a strategic partner, leveraging its prime location, competitive energy costs, and advanced port infrastructure to attract foreign investment while deploying its own capital into global innovation hubs.
About The Oman Investment Authority (OIA)
The Oman Investment Authority is the sovereign wealth fund of the Sultanate of Oman. It is entrusted with managing the nation’s financial resources to achieve sustainable, long-term returns for the Omani economy. OIA invests both locally and internationally across a diversified portfolio of asset classes, aiming to support Oman’s economic diversification goals.
Source: Zawya
