Vol 12, No 2 (2025)

            Oman, a strategic Gulf nation with a long-standing history of trade across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, has increasingly pursued international cooperation to diversify its economy and expand global business partnerships. This study aims to explore how Omani companies can enhance international cooperation amid global economic shifts and domestic challenges. A qualitative research approach was employed, incorporating case studies, government reports, and trade data to assess the capacity of Omani firms—particularly SMEs—to engage in international markets. The study analyzed trade barriers, regulatory frameworks, and bilateral/multilateral agreements. Findings reveal that Oman possesses abundant mineral resources (e.g., copper, zinc, cobalt), and its companies have the potential to leverage these through international collaboration. However, SMEs face constraints due to complex regulations, high interest rates, logistical inefficiencies, and limited market access. Programs like Omanization and Riyadh have yielded mixed results, particularly for SME growth. The study concludes that simplifying trade policies, enhancing logistics infrastructure, and expanding bilateral and multilateral agreements are essential for boosting Oman’s international business cooperation. Recommendations include targeted financial support for SMEs, digital transformation strategies, and strategic trade partnerships aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

The article focuses on analyzing new dimensions of interaction between Russia’s sovereign socio-economic system and the international community. In the context of the transformation of the global order, Russia faces the necessity of adapting its economy and foreign economic policy to evolving realities. The authors emphasize the importance of a sovereign approach aimed at safeguarding national interests and ensuring sustainable development. The article examines key challenges such as the impact of sanctions, the changing role of the Global South, and the crisis of the existing world order. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of new opportunities that emerge for Russia in cooperation with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, BRICS, and other international partners. The significance of diversifying foreign economic relations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and developing innovative approaches to reorganizing economic relations is highlighted. The research methodology is based on the study and systematization of theoretical sources, along with the analysis of relevant data, which allows for the identification of the most promising directions for interaction. The authors conclude that shaping new dimensions of international cooperation requires a comprehensive approach, including the coordination of strategic management, improvement of regulatory mechanisms, and active utilization of the integration potential within international frameworks.

The article examines the role of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as a tool for overcoming key socio-economic constraints in the development of the Murmansk region and ensuring its sustainable growth in the long term. It has been established that, despite the presence of significant resource potential and unique infrastructure (ice-free ports, nuclear icebreaker and navy fleet), the region has been facing a number of problems for a long time, including demographic decline, low economic diversification and limited logistics capabilities. The provisions of federal programs - the action plan for the development of the NSR until 2035 and the national project «Arctic and NSR» - are analyzed as an institutional basis for the implementation of comprehensive infrastructure solutions and attracting investment. A comparison of the main problematic blocks of the region's development with the measures implemented within the framework of the regional strategy «Living in the North» and NSR development activities is made. It is substantiated that the integration of the Murmansk region into global Arctic logistics chains and inclusion in infrastructure initiatives (port special economic zone, transport and industrial cluster) can ensure sustainable economic growth of the region by creating new jobs, modernizing basic industries and attracting investment. Particular attention is paid to the role of public policy and international cooperation, including with China, in forming long-term competitive advantages of the region in the context of a changing geoeconomic environment.