More emphasis must be placed on boosting bilateral economic cooperation between the Kingdom and the Philippines, said Philippine Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay during his latest visit to the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).

Garibay had held a meeting with Mazen Batterjee and Ziad Al-Bassam, vice presidents of the JCCI, to mark the end of his tenure.

He thanked JCCI officials for facilitating cooperation between businessmen on both sides to enhance trade between the two countries.

“Though bilateral trade is ongoing, we must focus more on economic prospects to really give mutual cooperation a boost,” he said.

“Emphasis must be placed on industrial, agricultural, tourism, health and other sectors to strengthen the various aspects of trade and to develop the economy, not to mention enhance ties between the Philippines trade sector and the Saudi private sector.”

“Trade relations are worth SR14 billion between the two friendly nations, but can be further strengthened thanks to abundant investment opportunities available in both countries,” he said.

“Around 700,000 Filipinos currently work in the Kingdom, further reinforcing these ties.”

“Our consulate in Jeddah is playing a pivotal role in advancing these interests, coordinating in various areas of investment with the JCCI and thus making the Philippines one of the most important trading partners for the Kingdom,” he said.

“Holding mutual exhibitions, sending business delegations and holding business meetings are some of a handful of ways these relations can be fostered.”