DTI, JICA invites BDA for an Investment Conference
The Investment conference organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was held on June 25-26, 2013 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. This conference is a strategic effort to capitalize on the synergy and convergence of the different stakeholders towards improving economic growth in the regions.
Five hundred (500) participants composed of industry stakeholders (MSMEs, NGAs, LGUs, Academe, and the Private Industry Associations), the media, and prospective investors nationwide were invited to participate in the event.
Ms. Sara Z. Duterte, City of Davao, welcomed the delegates. She enjoined everyone to experience the Davao hospitality and experience why the city was dubbed as “The city where life is”.
Senator-elect Ms. Cynthia Villar, in her keynote speech, shared that “Development should be encompassing and shall demonstrate inclusive growth”. She stressed that “jobs creation and livelihood are key to overcome poverty”. And, this will her focus once she assumes her seat at the Senate on June 30, 2013.
Chief Representative, Takahiro Sasaki of JICA assured that they will continue their support in the country through strategic development programs. He divulged that “Japan, through JICA, commits to assist the Philippines by sharing expertise and technologies in micro, small and medium enterprises since there these are the backbone of the country’s economy”. He added that “by providing access to market and finance, as well as improving agricultural productivity in rural areas will give more opportunities to SMEs”.
“Industry Clustering promotes Inclusive Growth”, said Ms. Merly M. Cruz, DTI Undersecretary. “It answers where the investors will focus their investments”, she added. “Industry clustering as a strategy employs Value Chain approach”, she further said.
The conference showcased the country’s investment opportunities particularly in the following focused-sectors like agri-business, aquamarine, tourism, ICT-enabled services, meat and livestock production and processing. These will be pursued through strategic alliances among government, potential investors and other relevant partners towards accelerating business growth in the countryside.
The conference aimed to: 1) steer interest towards the cluster based industrial development strategy thru National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project(NICCEP); 2) present the country as a viable investment destination for foreign businessmen/investors particularly in the agri-business and manufacturing sectors; and 3) offer to potential investors the business and investment opportunities and link them to potential markets.
The two-day event also featured side activities like Business Matching, Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting, an Investment Showcase, a Press Conference, City Tour/Plant Visits and a Fellowship dinner.
Engr. Windel Diangcalan, Program Head of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) attended the conference.
It was noted that JICA is one of the major development partners of the BDA since 2006. JICA commits to support the formulation of the Bangsamoro Development Plan spearheaded by BDA that will hit the ground very soon.
The Bangsamoro Development Plan intends to consolidate and sustain the gains of the GPH-MILF peace process by fleshing out the details of the medium and long-term development vision and strategy for the Bangsamoro area. It will also recommend “short term, quick impact projects” to accelerate the rehabilitation and recovery of the Bangsamoro area. This development plan will strive to offer solutions to the social injustices that were identified in the Mindanao Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) study of 2005 and should be treated as a document within the context of confidence-building and problem solving mode.
Bangsamoro Development Plan will have two Phases: Phase I (Development Plan for Transition Period) will focus on planning for the transition years of 2013-2016.
Phase II will focus on medium and strategic interventions and investments that will promote economic expansion and greater prosperity in the Bangsamoro area./BDA News and Information Bureau
