Oman and the Philippines advance agreements on investment, taxation, food security and connectivity, aiming to strengthen trade, maritime cooperation and economic links between the GCC and ASEAN.
The cooperation between Oman and the Philippines is increasing through the enhancement of cooperation in areas such as investment, food security, agriculture, and connectivity, as well as the completion of key agreements for enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. The discussions were held at the Third Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis in Manila.
The Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Al-Busaidi, and the Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ma. Theresa Lazaro discussed the developments in their bilateral ties and expressed their determination to enhance cooperation in several strategic fields. Both officials indicated that the talks on the agreements relating to investment promotion and the prevention of double taxation will be concluded soon and signed in the coming months.
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These agreements are anticipated to boost investor confidence as they provide more protection to investments and create a more favorable business environment through increased predictability. Both countries believe that these steps would result in increased investments flows and business engagement of the businesses in Oman and the Philippines.
Food security and the blue economy became prominent issues at the meeting. Oman expressed its intention to expand its cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and sustainable aquaculture, whereas the Philippines encouraged Omani investments in deep sea fishing technology, production of value-added agriculture products, and processing of halal certified agro-industrial products.
Connectivity was another key element that was deliberated upon during the talks. Both sides considered ways through which they could bolster their maritime transportation, logistics, port cooperation, and air connectivity. The goal was to establish effective trade links between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. In terms of the geographical position of Oman as a gateway to the Middle East and the ASEAN market that has a population of over 680 million people, the Philippines suggested that the alliance be seen as a strategic link between the ASEAN and GCC.
The economic relationship between the two nations is becoming stronger each year. Based on the accounts of Philippine government officials, the trade relationship between the two has been five times higher in 2025 compared to previous years.
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The People-to-People ties have also been another crucial aspect of the alliance. There are approximately 50,000 Filipinos residing and working in Oman, with the sectors ranging from health care, construction, hospitality, and domestic work. The Philippines has appreciated the decision by Oman to be the first Gulf Cooperation Council country to allow entry to Filipinos without a visa requirement, along with regular flights from Manila to Muscat.
The talks culminated in the two sides reiterating their resolve to construct an all-inclusive economic partnership. Through better investment regimes, collaboration in food security, improving transport links, and increased business interaction, Oman and the Philippines seek to generate economic openings while fostering economic and strategic ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Association of Southeast Asian Nations regions.