Oman and Uzbekistan are planning to step up industrial, trade and investment cooperation, according to the talks held recently between the Uzbek and Omani officials.

The Omani team was led by Minister of National Economy Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, and Uzbek delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade Elyor Ganiyev, Khaleej Times reported.

Macki, noting that the two countries had signed agreements to avoid double taxation and encourage joint investment, said the sultanate was keen to enter into joint investment ventures with Uzbekistan.

Ganiyev said his country was planning to make big investments in the oil, gas and petrochemicals sectors as well as in construction and infrastructure development.

He added public and private sectors in both countries could benefit from new opportunities these created.

Also on 5 September, Ganiyev conferred with Dr Rawiyah Bint Saud al Busaidiyah, Higher Education Minister. The Omani minister said a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, covering academic and student exchange, mutual recognition of certificates and scientific research cooperation, was now ready.