Oman and Malaysia have maintained diplomatic relations for the past 29 years, and their bilateral relations are becoming stronger with each passing year.

According to Oman's Ambassador to Malaysia, Aflah Sulaiman Mohammed Al-Taei, bilateral relations, which cover many areas -- trade and economy, education, social development, defence and cultural development -- have not only reinforced the present brotherly ties but have also provided opportunities for businesses in both the countries.

Sharing some insights with Bernama on what he described as an excellent bilateral ties, the envoy specifically mentioned Oman's five-year plan (2011- 2015), which provides business opportunities for Malaysian companies.

As per the plan, US$10 billion (RM30.5 billion) has been set aside for construction projects, US$12 billion (RM36.6 billion) for railway projects and US$3.5 billion (RM10.68 billion) for projects related to roads and highways, he said.

Another sector which had seen close cooperation is the oil and gas sector where Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) signed an exploration and production sharing agreement with the government of Oman for the Natih/West Raba concession, the envoy said.

United Engineering Services (UES), Oman's leading engineering oilfield services provider and a subsidiary of MB Holdings LLC, has also acquired two Malaysian companies -- Professional Power Craft (PPC) International Sdn Bhd and Wise Marine.

The year 2012 also saw one other significant event -- the promotion of 1Malaysia -- organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) in Muscat from April 28 to April 29.

The trade mission, led by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, comprised a delegation of about 50 government-linked companies (GLCs) and 40 private companies.

"This promotional fair had opened a number of opportunities for both the countries," he said, adding that Malaysian companies had recorded potential sales of RM22.9 million.

The envoy said bilateral trade had also increased by 16 .1 per cent, reaching US$740.5 million in 2011 from US$265.30 million in 2010.

He pointed out that Malaysia's exports to Oman had increased by 25.6 per cent, reaching US$238 million in 2011 while Malaysia's imports from Oman, mainly oil and petroleum products, stood at US$502.5 million.

With regard to education, he said, about 1,300 students from Oman are pursuing further education in various international universities and colleges in Malaysia.

According to the envoy, Malaysia has also attracted more Omani tourists and this could be seen from the figure reported in 2011 at 30,000 people compared with 24,000 in the previous year.

Malaysians also contribute to Oman s economy. According to the envoy, there are about 1,000 Malaysians working in Oman in a number of fields -- academic, medical, construction, and oil and gas.

Al-Taei hopes that relations between Oman and Malaysia will be strengthened in 2013.