Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez is Chief Executive Officer at Stargate Media Corp., Publisher at People Asia Magazine Corp., President at Manila Overseas Press Club, Inc., Chairman & President at BAROM International Group, Executive Vice President at Philippines, Inc., and Columnist at Philippine Star Printing Co., Inc.

“I’m very pleased to be part of the Philippine-Qatar Trade Initiative (PhilQat) as an advisor having earlier expressed my belief that the two nations have great potential to work together as partners. A sizeable number of Filipinos, estimated at over 300,000, work in Qatar and that alone is an indicator of the strong link between these two nations, especially because the Qatari government has on numerous occasions affirmed its willingness to boost employment opportunities for overseas Filipino workers especially in light of the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup that Doha will be hosting.

Qatar is a global leader, acknowledged as the richest country with the highest per capita in the world. On the other hand, the Philippines has been notable for weathering the global financial crisis that has put many economies down on their knees. No doubt there is great potential for trade between the two countries, considering that last year, a delegation of Qatari businessmen visited the Philippines and indicated interest in investing up to $1 billion into the country. The recent memorandum of understanding signed by the Philippines and Qatar increasing the number of flight frequencies for Qatar Airways to 14 per week is also a step in the right direction as it would enhance tourism opportunities for the Philippines.

This initiative conceptualized by Mr. Ramon Jose Cruz, CEO of BSMG Worlwide, is both timely and opportune, and we are confident that the trade visit will open more opportunities for partnership between the Philippines and Qatar.”