Oman
Hosts Oman-Cebu Investment Forum

Muscat,
9 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman hosted the Oman-Cebu Investment
Forum today, with the participation of officials and business sector
representatives from both Oman and the Republic of the Philippines.

The
forum was held as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and investment
relations between the two nations.

The
forum was inaugurated under the auspices of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi,
Foreign Minister, in the presence of Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and in cooperation with the Oman
Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In
his opening remarks, the Foreign Minister emphasized that convening the second
edition of the forum reflects the shared commitment of both countries to build
upon the outcomes of the inaugural forum held in Cebu City last year.

He
noted that the forum serves as an effective platform for expanding cooperation
in several vital sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, logistics,
renewable energy, and education, as well as innovation and modern technologies.

Furthermore,
he praised the positive role undertaken by the Philippine community in the
Sultanate of Oman, estimated at approximately 50,000 people, and their
contributions to various sectors, affirming Oman’s aspiration to enhance
partnerships and attract professional competencies for mutual benefit.

For
her part, Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the
Philippines, underscored the significance of the long-standing bilateral
relations between the two countries.

She
lauded the vital role of the Philippine community in Oman as a fundamental
pillar for fostering trust and joint cooperation. She expressed her country’s
desire to elevate the economic partnership with the Sultanate of Oman in the
fields of investment, trade, tourism, renewable energy, and the maritime
economy.

She
confirmed the Philippines’ readiness to provide an attractive investment
environment and invited Omani companies to capitalize on promising
opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in light of its current
chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Eng.
Hamoud Salim Al Saadi, Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained that the forum reflects the growing
development of economic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the
Republic of the Philippines.

He
emphasized the private sector’s dedication in both countries to enhancing
dialogue and building sustainable partnerships that serve common interests.

The
forum concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to continue
strengthening economic and investment cooperation, supporting the role of the
private sector, and building on the forum’s outcomes to achieve the mutual
interests of the two friendly nations.

—Ends/AG