Philippine companies are sharpening their sights on Saudi Arabia as Manila ramps up a trade push to plug local exporters into the Kingdom’s surging infrastructure and consumer markets.
At a Feb. 5 meeting in Al Khobar, Philippine Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat joined a Department of Trade and Industry–Export Marketing Bureau delegation led by Director Bianca Sykimte in talks with Rasheed Abdullah AlRushaid, chairperson and chief executive of AlRushaid Petroleum Investment Group. The exchange centered on widening private-sector engagement and forging partnerships aligned with Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure drive.
Saudi officials and Philippine representatives flagged opportunities for Philippine firms to enter supply chains tied to energy, construction, and allied industrial projects. With Riyadh sustaining heavy capital spending under its diversification agenda, both sides stressed practical business linkages that match Philippine manufacturing, engineering, and services strengths with Saudi investment pipelines.
Alongside infrastructure talks, the Philippine Outbound Business Matching Mission zeroed in on consumer-facing opportunities. The delegation visited Tamimi Markets in Al Khobar to assess expanded shelf space for Philippine food and personal care products, reflecting strong interest in the Kingdom’s growing retail segment.
The visit followed business-to-business meetings at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where exporters engaged Saudi buyers and distributors to scope potential partnerships.
The engagements are part of a coordinated DTI-EMB effort, working with the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia and trade offices in Riyadh, to deepen the Philippines’ Middle East footprint.
By tapping Saudi infrastructure growth and a rapidly expanding retail landscape, Manila aims to open durable channels for Philippine goods, services, and long-term commercial collaboration.
Officials say the momentum could translate into sustained exports, joint ventures, and deeper investment ties over the medium term ahead globally.
