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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Philippines, Oman forge stronger economic bonds in Cebu forum

Philippines, Oman forge stronger economic bonds in Cebu forum

Published Jul 29, 2025 03:38 pm
(Left to right): Celestino Martinez, Councilor Joel Garganera, Congressman Pablo John Garcia, Ramon Carlo Yap, Mikaela Pacubas Yap, Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Mayor Cindi Chan, Minister of Labor Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’awin, Sayyid Nasr Albusaidi.
(Left to right): Celestino Martinez, Councilor Joel Garganera, Congressman Pablo John Garcia, Ramon Carlo Yap, Mikaela Pacubas Yap, Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Mayor Cindi Chan, Minister of Labor Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’awin, Sayyid Nasr Albusaidi.
The recent Cebu-Oman Investment Forum, held at the Fili Hotel in NUSTAR Cebu City, marked a step in strengthening economic relations between the Philippines and the Sultanate of Oman. The forum convened top officials, business leaders, and changemakers to explore significant opportunities across investment, trade, and tourism.
Spearheaded by Mikaela Pacubas Yap with support from the Omani Foreign Ministry and Oman Chamber of Commerce, the event strategically positioned Cebu as a key gateway for global collaboration. Prominent Philippine leaders, including Congressmen Edu Rama, Junard “Ahong” Chan, and Pablo John Garcia, along with Congresswoman Karen Hope Garcia, Mayor Cindi Chan, and Vice Mayor Joy Alegado, were in attendance.
Mikaela Pacubas Yap highlighted the forum's core objective: to showcase Oman as a premier global investment destination. “The main goal of the event is to highlight Oman as a top place to invest in the world,” Yap stated, emphasizing Oman’s ambitious Vision 2040.
This vision is driving substantial investments in innovative projects spanning real estate, hospitality, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and logistics. “The rest of the world are investing and we are lucky as Filipinos to have the firsthand opportunity to do so as well,” Yap added.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi opened the forum, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations and calling for a new era of economic partnership. “This forum is an invitation to think big, explore, and invest in each other’s future,” he remarked.
Lamya Al Habsi, Deputy Director General for Investment Promotion, further detailed opportunities in trade, tourism, and sustainable development.
The forum also underscored Cebu's investment potential. Jay Yuvallos, President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), delivered a keynote titled “Invest Cebu, Prosper in Paradise,” championing Cebu's strategic location, dynamic workforce, and high quality of life.
He also promoted the Cebu Investment Center as a key facilitator for business entry. CCCI Past President Melanie C. Ng reiterated Cebu’s investor-friendly environment.
Industry-focused discussions highlighted promising sectors. Ramon Carlo Yap of Priland and Franco Soberano of Cebu Landmasters discussed real estate. Aseem Roy of CIB.O addressed the IT-BPM industry, while Samantha Manigsaca of AppleOne showcased Cebu’s tourism. Omani delegates detailed investment opportunities in logistics, tourism, real estate, energy, and technology within Oman.
In a significant development, Minister Albusaidi announced that Filipinos can now visit Oman visa-free for up to two weeks. He also confirmed plans to establish an Omani consulate in Cebu, increase direct flights, and organize future bilateral forums.
Mikaela Pacubas Yap shared future initiatives, including the Oman-Cebu forum in Oman in 2026 and the rollout of the golden visa program. She concluded with a call to action: “I invite all Filipinos to visit Oman for its natural beauty, culture, and people... And I invite businessmen looking to diversify to look at Oman as a top viable option.”
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