PHL, Oman eye more business partnerships

Philippine and Oman officials discussed recently plans to further explore business and tourism opportunities, as well as cooperation between the two country's major business groups. Philippine Ambassador-designate Joselito Jimeno discussed the matter with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Khalil Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Khonji at the OCCI in Ruwi. "To pave the way for more business exchanges, Chairman Al Khonji and Ambassador-designate Jimeno agreed that it is high time for Oman Air to start flying to the Philippines to promote tourism and stimulate group travels for buyers, importers, and potential investors to expand trade and commercial activities of both countries," the Department of Foreign Affairs said. During their meeting, both officials also discussed various subjects focusing on activities that will boost economic, trade, and commercial cooperation. Both also agreed to continue encouraging the private sectors to explore commercial and investment opportunities in both countries. Jimeno expressed hopes for the immediate signing of the proposed Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-OCCI cooperation agreement. Tourism Al Khonji stressed the importance of tourism as a means for more trade exchanges, as he recalled the Philippines was a favorite destination of Omani tourists who visit South Asian countries in the 1970s and 1980s. To reactivate this trend and to attract Omani tourists to the Philippines, he suggested accelerating business exchanges in the business community. Al Khonji also pointed out the need to encourage government agencies to establish collaborative works in various fields such as the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) and Oman’s Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI), for the development of handicrafts to promote people to people contacts. For his part, Al Khonji assured Jimeno his group is considering visiting the Philippines for the possible signing of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the PCCI and the OCCI. He added the signing could be done in time for a big international trade fair in Manila. Jimeno relayed his wish that Al Khonji would lead the proposed OCCI business delegation to the Philippines. Jimeno also suggested bringing in select Philippine business experts to Oman to conduct Business Forum on “Doing Business in the Philippines" under the auspices of the OCCI. This aims to provide potential investors and traders with proper guidance for their business and investment plans in the Philippines. — LBG, GMA News