World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai has welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman. The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening India’s trade engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
The CEPA was signed in Muscat during the official visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is expected to open new growth avenues for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, welcomed the development. He said, “The India–Oman CEPA is a landmark milestone that will serve as a force multiplier for India’s manufacturing and services sectors. By securing zero-duty access for over 99% of Indian exports, the government has provided a strong competitive advantage to MSMEs in textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Oman is a strategic gateway for Indian businesses to access GCC, African, and Middle Eastern markets.”
He added, “This agreement goes beyond trade in goods. It enables services sector liberalisation and supports professional mobility. Indian talent will play a larger role in Oman’s development, while bilateral trade is set to grow further in the coming years.”
The agreement removes duties on 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines. It also provides 100% FDI commitment for Indian companies in key service sectors. These measures will directly benefit manufacturing, engineering, services, and investment-driven industries.
The India–Oman CEPA is Oman’s first bilateral trade agreement since 2006. It is also India’s second free trade agreement in the past six months. The pact reflects India’s growing intent to integrate more deeply into global trade networks.
