The Philippine Embassy in Muscat reported to the Department of Foreign Affairsthat Business Today, the leading business monthly in the Sultanate of Oman,featured an interview with Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno. The interview was arranged in line with the economic and public diplomacy thrusts of DFA Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario.

In the article, Ambassador Jimeno highlighted the booming Philippine economy including the 6.6 percent GDP growth in 2012, the possible upgrade this year of the country’s credit rating, and the strong Philippine Peso and foreign currency reserves.

The Ambassador also discussed positive developments in bilateral relations specifically the forthcoming start of direct flights of Oman Air from Muscat to Manila, the opening of an Omani Embassy in the Philippines (recently stipulated by Royal Decree No. 13/2013 dated 27 February 2013) and the signing last October 2012 of a cooperation agreementbetween the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ambassador Jimeno also mentioned initiatives to spurtrade, investments, and tourism from both sides.END