Oman Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari (PNA photo by Joyce Rocamora)
MANILA – The Omani government hopes to see increased mutual trade and investment promotions, and possible partnership on cybersecurity and information technology with the Philippines.
In a lecture series organized by the Foreign Service Institute on Friday, Oman Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari noted that Manila and Muscat are “still at the beginning of working” to enhance their relations and suggested further increasing high-level exchanges between the two nations.
He encouraged expanding economic partnerships by promoting trade and investment opportunities in key sectors, including energy, agriculture, infrastructure and technology.
He also proposed creating joint ventures and facilitating business delegations to explore market potentials.
“It should be high-level participation in both countries, we have exhibitions in Oman but to be honest rarely we see some Filipino participant in those events,” he said.
“The one thing we should also ease is the exporting and importing process, the custom fees — I believe that it will empower the commercial exchange between the two countries, especially in agriculture,” he added.
Among the key Philippine-Oman deals in the works is the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, which the envoy said would enhance trade and commerce between the two states.
Al Manwari also hoped for the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the field of information and communication technology in the upcoming bilateral meeting between Oman and the Philippines in 2025.
“In Oman, we are keen to give any experience in cybersecurity or information technology and I believe the MOU on information and cybersecurity, it will be the start point for any cooperation in the future,” he said.
On top of these, he highlighted the need to develop programs to promote cultural understanding as well as boost two-way tourism.
Diplomatic relations between Oman and the Philippines were established in October 1980.
Prior to the opening of Oman’s embassy in Manila in 2012, the sultanate’s engagements in the Philippines were being handled by its foreign mission in Malaysia.
The 5th Joint Cooperation on Bilateral Consultation Meeting between the two states will soon be held in Manila in January next year. (PNA)
