This week, Mr. Josep Santacreu, President of ASCAME, held a meeting with Mr. Pablo Caralps, Honorary Consul of Oman in Barcelona, to exchange views on opportunities to strengthen economic and institutional relations between the Mediterranean region and the Gulf.

During the meeting, both parties highlighted the strategic role of Oman as a bridge between Europe, the Mediterranean and the Gulf, and explored potential areas of cooperation involving business promotion, trade, investment and institutional dialogue. The discussion also addressed possible avenues for collaboration through ASCAME’s network, including them as ‘Associate Member’ to explore their active participation in events, business missions and multilateral initiatives connecting Mediterranean and Gulf stakeholders.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the following topics:

• Political and institutional relations: Oman plays a neutral role in the region, contributing to the maintenance of peaceful relations with its neighbors.
• Economic structure: Oman’s economy is traditionally based on oil and gas, while undergoing a strategic diversification process.
• Future-oriented sectors: Strong focus on green hydrogen, renewable energies, technology, and tourism as key drivers of economic transformation.
• Investment climate: Oman is currently actively seeking foreign investment, with market entry facilitated by sovereign wealth funds and dedicated investment vehicles.
• Spanish business presence: There are currently 53 Spanish companies operating in Oman, with a total contribution of approximately €60 million, including major firms such as INDRA and ACCIONA.
• Opportunities for Barcelona: The current context represents a particularly favorable moment for Barcelona, reinforced by the creation of the first Honorary Consulate of Oman in the city, opening new avenues for institutional and business cooperation.

Both sides expressed their willingness to continue the dialogue and identify concrete opportunities for cooperation in the coming months. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Xavier Coronas, Secretary General of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and of ASCAME, as well as members of the international teams of both institutions.