Cebu-Oman Investment Forum paves way for stronger trade ties

The Sultanate of Oman signaled a shift in its foreign economic policy as Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi led a high-level delegation to the first Cebu-Oman Investment Forum, outlining Muscat's ambition to deepen trade, investment, and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asia.

- Ehda M. Dagooc Staff Member

The forum, organized by Cebuano entrepreneurs Carlo and Mikaela Yap in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), was held over the weekend at the NuStar Resort. It convened senior Omani and Philippine officials, sovereign wealth representatives, and private sector leaders under the theme: “Bringing Opportunities: Strengthening Oman-Philippines Trade, Tourism, and Cultural Ties.”

In a keynote address blending strategic nuance with economic intent, Albusaidi described Oman's engagement with the Philippines—and ASEAN more broadly—as a “strategic imperative,” positioning the Gulf state as a natural conduit for cross-regional capital, diversified trade, and high-growth sector collaboration.

"We now stand at a crossroads of opportunity," Albusaidi declared. "Beyond manpower relations, we are opening our arms to the business communities and investors of both nations.”

He emphasized the role of Oman Vision 2040, the country's national development roadmap, in driving this new phase of economic outreach.

Priority sectors identified for bilateral engagement include renewable energy (RE), logistics, artificial intelligence and robotics, real estate, food security, digital infrastructure, and tourism.

Oman's liberalized investment framework—offering 100 per cent foreign ownership, competitive tax incentives, and access to over two billion consumers across the Middle East, East Africa, and South Asia—was presented as a compelling proposition for Philippine businesses seeking international growth.