The Philippines has the potential to maximise its bilateral relationship with Qatar, especially in the health and wellness, agriculture, tourism, and services sector, ambassador Wilfredo Santos has said.
International trade data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that as of November 2015, total trade between Qatar and the Philippines stood at $314mn (January-August 2015) compared to $652mn recorded in 2014 and $1.047bn in 2013.
“Regardless of the plans Qatar has for the development of its economy, we will always capitalise on that because the potential is there for us to maximise our bilateral relationship with Qatar, especially in the area of business and trade,” Santos told Gulf Times at the Philippine embassy.
Santos stressed that the plan for further growth between Qatar and the Philippines’ bilateral relationship has gained support from the Qatar Chamber, which vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari extended during a business forum with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“We are monitoring the progress of the recently-held Asean business forum with the Qatar Chamber and the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD). Of course, we have to follow it up because we have already laid the groundwork for Qatar Chamber to do more business with the Asean, including Filipino companies. There is always an interest for both sides to enter into business because it would be mutually beneficial for either country,” he said.
Asked what industries in the Philippines are congruent to Qatar’s ongoing economic growth, Santos said the Philippines could participate in major infrastructure projects being constructed in various parts of the country.
“But at the same time, Qatar will need services from the Philippines because it is transforming itself into a knowledge-based economy, so the workers they can hire are teachers, engineers, and architects.
“We also see Qatar as a potential destination for our agricultural products and quality furniture.”
He explained that Filipino furniture manufacturers are well-known globally, and that their design and style could be utilised in many high-end hotels, offices, and even homes being constructed in Qatar.
“We can utilise that advantage. And since Qataris are also interested in spas, the health and wellness sector is an area that can be an advantage to us. The only way to do it is to improve our infrastructure, which is already there,” he said.
The ambassador also emphasised that connectivity has also increased following the arrival of carriers like Cebu Pacific and Philippines Airlines to Qatar, aside from the presence of other airlines in the region.
He also noted that the Philippines needs to strengthen its halal industry by identifying hotels and establishments that cater to Muslim tourists.
“The potential is there and it is up to us to prepare so we can provide the needs of tourists from this part of the world. We need to upgrade our hotel facilities by providing more prayer rooms and a family-friendly environment, as well as designated places where they could eat.
“They want to know where they want to eat and where to go, and I think we are in that position now to bring in more tourists. The numbers may not be as great compared to other countries but this is expected to increase in the coming years,” Santos said.