Oman, Philippines deepen economic ties at third bilateral forum in Manila

Oman and the Philippines are forging stronger economic bonds, with the third Oman-Philippines Forum held in Manila aiming to unlock new avenues for partnership. The event, themed “The Oman–Philippines Strategic Council,” convened senior government officials and business leaders from both nations to bolster cooperation.

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The Forum reflects the strength of the relationship between Oman and the Philippines, built on friendship, mutual respect and a shared vision for progress.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi highlighted the forum's reflection of a robust relationship built on friendship and mutual respect. He emphasized the evolution of dialogue since the first forum in Cebu, leading to practical partnerships. Albusaidi noted the increasing need for enduring partnerships based on trust and shared values amid rapid global change, pointing to complementary strengths in trade, investment, logistics, tourism, energy, and technology.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro underscored the growing economic relationship, identifying Oman's strategic position as a gateway to the Gulf and the Philippines' role as a gateway to ASEAN. This geographical advantage, she noted, creates opportunities for new trade and logistics corridors linking the two regions. Lazaro also pointed to growth in trade during 2025 and progress on investment agreements, advocating for deeper collaboration in fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and technology.

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Oman’s strategic position as a gateway to the Gulf and the Philippines’ role as a gateway to ASEAN, noting that this creates opportunities to establish new trade and logistics corridors linking the two regions.

Further enhancing the digital dimension, Henry Aguda, Secretary of Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines, proposed launching an Oman-Philippines program for digital innovation and smart logistics. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, data centers, and digital trade, thereby supporting investment, innovation, and shared development. Ferdinand Ferrer, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised Oman's business environment and logistics capabilities.

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Launching an Oman–Philippines programme for digital innovation and smart logistics to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, data centres and digital trade, in order to support investment, innovation and shared development.