MUSCAT: Philippine business leaders expressed growing interest in expanding commercial links with Oman on July 26, as the Third Oman–Philippines Forum showcased investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman and called for stronger private-sector partnerships across strategic industries.
More than 200 delegates from government and the private sector attended the forum in Manila, where discussions focused on trade, investment, logistics, agriculture, fisheries, technology and food security as both countries seek to broaden economic cooperation.
Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy said the bilateral relationship had evolved beyond diplomacy into a platform for practical business collaboration.
"We welcome the role of businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from both countries turning these opportunities into lasting ventures," Al Busaidy said.
"By creating stronger connections between our private sectors, we can expand economic cooperation and open new horizons for mutual benefit."
He said Oman offers significant opportunities in trade, investment, logistics, tourism, energy and technology, supported by its strategic location connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), East Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
Al Busaidy also described the Filipino community in Oman as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, saying its contribution to the Sultanate of Oman's development has strengthened confidence between the two countries and laid the groundwork for deeper economic cooperation.
Philippine business leaders said Oman presents attractive prospects for companies looking to expand internationally.
Ferdinand Ferrer, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised Oman's business environment, strategic geographic location and modern logistics infrastructure, saying these advantages make the Sultanate of Oman an attractive destination for Philippine enterprises seeking access to Gulf and neighbouring markets.
He encouraged Philippine businesses to explore opportunities in fisheries, agriculture and food security, sectors where both countries have complementary strengths and growing demand for investment.
The forum also highlighted the role of technology in strengthening future economic cooperation.
Philippine Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda proposed an Oman–Philippines programme on digital innovation and smart logistics to foster collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, data centres and digital trade.
He said the initiative would help both countries strengthen innovation, improve connectivity and support investment-led growth.
Michaela Yap, Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in Cebu, said this year's forum attracted more than 200 participants from across the Philippines, reflecting growing interest from the Philippine business community in exploring opportunities in Oman.
She described the forum as an important platform for connecting businesses, fostering investment and building long-term commercial partnerships between the two countries.
The programme included investment presentations, business-to-business meetings and panel discussions on trade, logistics, agriculture and fisheries, with organisers aiming to translate growing political engagement into concrete business ventures and cross-border investment.
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