Filipino exporters eye bigger opportunities in the Gulf

The July 26 dialogue aims to boost trade, investments, and joint ventures.

Filipino exporters could soon gain better access to the Gulf market as the Philippines pursues new trade and investment partnerships with Oman, with a high-level dialogue set for Sunday, July 26, creating opportunities for agriculture, fisheries, logistics, tourism, and technology companies to expand beyond Southeast Asia.

The third Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis will bring together government officials, business leaders, and investors to explore new trade deals, investment opportunities, and joint ventures across priority sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, technology, logistics, transport, tourism, and energy.

Among the biggest opportunities is food. Oman imports most of its food, opening the door for Philippine seafood producers and growers of tropical fruits and other agricultural products to tap a market with strong demand for halal-compliant products. Discussions on improving shipping and air links could also help businesses move goods to the Gulf more efficiently, making it easier to reach buyers in the region.

The dialogue also signals a broader effort to deepen economic ties between the Philippines and Oman beyond the long-standing relationship built by overseas Filipino workers. By encouraging more two-way investments and business partnerships, both countries are looking to create new opportunities for companies to grow while supporting jobs and economic activity.

Philippine Ambassador to Oman Noralyn Jubaira Baja described the forum as “a historic turning point” in bilateral relations, saying it aims to turn decades of goodwill into concrete investments. She said the relationship is evolving from one largely anchored on labor mobility to one increasingly driven by trade, investment, innovation, and economic cooperation.

Oman’s delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, along with senior officials from the Oman Investment Authority and the ministries of labour and foreign affairs.

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