The Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ezzedin H. Tago, called on Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah on Sunday to discuss bilateral ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

Al-Rabiah encouraged the Philippines to hold an exhibition to showcase its products as a means to strengthen ties.

“We discussed present relations between the two countries and concluded that there is a need to further enhance and diversify the Philippines’ and Saudi Arabia’s ties such as in trade,” Tago said.

He invited Al-Rabiah to visit the Philippines.

Tago also highlighted the economic growth of the Philippines from 2012 to 2013, which was among the highest recorded progress in East and Southeast Asia, as well as the recent investment grade improvements of various Filipino companies.

Export products from the Philippines include fresh and processed food, fresh fruit and vegetables, furniture and wood products, garments and textiles, construction materials, health and beauty care products, fashion accessories, leather goods, machineries and equipment, gifts, and home decorations.

The meeting came ahead of the arrival of a business delegation from the Philippines who will visit the Kingdom between Oct. 30 to Nov. 7.