Technology is among the sectors expected to drive the next phase of economic cooperation between Oman and the Philippines as government officials, investors, and business leaders gather in Manila on July 26 for the Oman–Philippines 3: Strategic Majlis.
The forum signals a shift in bilateral relations from one centered largely on overseas employment to broader economic cooperation that includes trade, investment, innovation, and technology.
Leading Oman’s delegation is His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman. Also joining the delegation are His Excellency Muneer Al Muneeri, Deputy President of Operations at the Oman Investment Authority; His Excellency Dr. Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baawain, Minister of Labour; His Excellency Nasser bin Said Al Manawri, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of the Philippines; and representatives from the public and private sectors.
According to the organizers, the forum is expected to create opportunities for Philippine exporters, tourism stakeholders, investors, technology companies, logistics providers, and agribusinesses seeking to expand cooperation with Oman.
Technology is one of the sectors identified for potential collaboration alongside energy, fisheries, agriculture, logistics, and transport. Delegates are expected to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral trade, attract investment, establish joint ventures, and identify partnerships in these priority industries.
“This Forum represents a historic turning point in the Philippine-Oman relationship. For decades, our bilateral bond was primarily defined by the thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers building livelihoods in Oman, but this institutionalized platform now channels decades of social goodwill to turn it into concrete investments,” said Her Excellency Noralyn Jubaira Baja, the Philippine Ambassador to Oman.
His Excellency Nasser bin Said Al Manawri, Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines, said the forum offers an opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
“Oman views the Oman–Philippines Strategic Majlis as an exceptional opportunity to further strengthen our robust and growing relationship with the Philippines. We look forward to constructive discussions that will pave the way for mutually beneficial collaboration and contribute to the prosperity of both nations.”
The event will also unveil the official logo of the Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis, developed by Brand Oman in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry.
The forum follows the recent commemorative activity in Manila marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, attended by His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi. It aims to expand bilateral cooperation through trade, investment, innovation, and economic partnerships.