A trade delegation from the Philippines and Saudi businessmen have explored the prospect of further expanding business ties and investment prospects between the two countries in food, agriculture and other vital sectors. The delegation, headed by Philippine Consul General Imelda Macapundag Panolong, was received at the headquarters of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) by Adnan Mandura, secretary general of JCCI and other officials. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade ties and pumping investments into vital sectors in both countries. The Philippine businessmen invited their Saudi counterparts to take advantage of the vast investment opportunities available in their country. Speaking on the occasion, Mandura urged the private sectors in both the countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the economic, commercial and trade sectors, in addition to creating more investment opportunities. He emphasized the keenness of the Saudi businessmen in taking advantage of the investment opportunities in the Philippines. Mandura also commended the remarkable role being played by the Saudi-Philippine Business Council in exploring the investment opportunities in both countries, especially in the industrial, contracting and agricultural fields. The delegation is comprised of senior executives of leading Philippine companies specialized in food products, especially canned foods, nuts, and natural juices, in addition to cosmetics and public health care products. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached SR14 billion. The Philippines is one of the leading manpower suppliers to Saudi Arabia, with around 700,000 Filipinos working at present in the Kingdom. — SG
