Manila, Philippines – Oman and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment and strategic cooperation, with the two countries signing four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) at the third Oman-Philippines Investment Forum in Manila on Sunday.

Called Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis, the forum brought together senior government officials, business leaders and investors to explore new opportunities in trade, logistics, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and technology.

In his opening address, H E Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, said the forum reflected the enduring relationship between Oman and the Philippines, built on friendship, mutual respect and a shared vision for progress.

He stated that the dialogue, which began with the inaugural forum in Cebu, has continued to create opportunities for practical partnerships involving governments, businesses and communities.

“In a time of rapid global change, there is a growing need to build enduring partnerships founded on trust, mutual understanding and shared values,” he said.

H E Sayyid Badr noted that Oman and the Philippines have complementary strengths that offer significant opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, tourism, energy and technology. He also described the Filipino community in Oman as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, recognising its contribution to the sultanate’s development.

Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, said the forum reflected the growing economic partnership between the two countries.

She highlighted Oman’s position as a gateway to the Gulf and the Philippines’ role as a gateway to ASEAN, saying the two countries could work together to develop new trade and logistics corridors linking the regions.

She also pointed to the growth in bilateral trade in 2025 and progress on investment agreements, while calling for stronger cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, tourism and technology.

Henry Aguda, Secretary of Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines, proposed launching an Oman-Philippines programme for digital innovation and smart logistics, focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, data centres and digital trade.

The forum also featured panel discussions on trade and investment, logistics, and agriculture and fisheries.

More than 200 delegates from across the Philippines attended the event, reflecting growing interest in expanding commercial ties and investment between the two countries, organisers said.

The event concluded with the signing of four MoUs. Three agreements were signed by Oman Duty Free with Wildflour, AMA and StrongGroup Coffee Philippines, covering cooperation in hospitality, retail, customer experience and applied technologies. A fourth agreement between Transom Holding and AMA focuses on pilot training and workforce development.