The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) have identified four priority industries for deeper investment cooperation, as both countries seek to strengthen trade and position their economic zones as complementary gateways to regional markets.

The Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that 56 boxes of Davao durian, weighing 1.08 metric tons and worth around P183,000 ($3,000), have been sent to Oman. The shipment from Engseng Food Products of Davao City is bound for Jeel Almaaly International in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

Petron Corp. reported a 28 percent fall in first-half net income to P3.8 billion from P5.3 billion a year earlier, the company said Tuesday. The decline was mainly due to Middle East tensions pushing crude, import and freight costs higher. Dubai crude averaged $91 a barrel, up 27 percent year-on-year.