Chinese firms in Gulf focus of new biz ties

Ewpartners, Sohar International Bank team up with $1b deal signed in Oman

Enhanced financial connectivity and localized support are becoming increasingly vital for Chinese enterprises deepening their presence in the Gulf region, a trend expected to unlock massive cross-border market opportunities, experts said.

As cross-border businesses transition from early-stage market expansion to a new phase of supply chain localization, project construction, local operations and long-term financing, the financial support required by these enterprises has become more diversified. It extends beyond basic account opening or settlement to comprehensive scenarios such as cross-border supply chain finance, project financing and multicurrency capital management.

Highlighting this shift, Sohar International Bank and Ewpartners — formerly known as eWTP Arabia Capital — recently signed a strategic partnership agreement in Oman. The collaboration, expected to generate over $1 billion in financial cooperation, aims to fill this market gap by combining Ewpartners' Asia-Gulf cross-border investment network with Sohar International Bank's local banking capabilities to facilitate cross-border business flows.