Oman and the Philippines are preparing to enhance their bilateral economic ties through increased cooperation in investment, trade, and key sectors, as the Third Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis Forum is set to open in Manila next Sunday. The high-level forum will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, and experts from both countries to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
The Omani delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy and will include key figures such as Dr. Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour; Muneer bin Ali bin Nasser al Muneeri, Deputy Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority for Operations; and Eng. Nasser bin Said al Manwari, Ambassador of Oman to the Republic of the Philippines. Representatives from various government and private sector organizations will also participate.
The forum is structured around three main objectives: boosting economic cooperation through increased trade, investment, and joint ventures; strengthening diplomatic relations and coordination on regional and international matters; and expanding collaboration in emerging sectors such as technology, energy, logistics, transportation, agriculture, and fisheries.
This event is part of Oman’s broader economic diplomacy strategy aimed at fostering long-term international partnerships to support economic diversification and attract foreign investment in line with Oman Vision 2040. To mark the third edition of the forum, Oman’s Foreign Ministry and the Unified Promotional Identity Office unveiled an official logo representing the initiative’s vision. The design features an upward arrow symbolizing growth and progress and incorporates elements of Oman’s national identity alongside the Invest in Oman and Live in Oman initiatives, reflecting the nation’s focus on investment, tourism, and international cooperation.
Eng. Al Manwari described the forum as an important platform for deepening the growing relationship between Oman and the Philippines. He emphasized that the launch of the forum’s visual identity demonstrates a commitment to leveraging economic diplomacy to create lasting partnerships that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. Al Manwari also noted that discussions during the forum are expected to open new avenues for cooperation, benefiting businesses and investors in both countries.
Philippine Ambassador to Oman Noralyn Jobira Baja highlighted that the forum signifies a new chapter in the bilateral relationship. She noted that the longstanding ties between the two nations, historically strengthened by the presence of thousands of Filipino professionals and workers in Oman, now have an institutional platform to evolve into more concrete investments, business partnerships, and broader economic cooperation.
Established as a recurring dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, the Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis Forum aims to identify investment opportunities and address issues of mutual interest. Officials anticipate that this year’s meeting will further solidify economic relations and expand strategic cooperation across a wide range of priority sectors, reinforcing the evolving partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines.