The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) officially opened Mindanao’s wide-ranging investment and economic opportunities to a high-level delegation from Yunnan Province, China. The strategic engagement advances prospects for robust trade, investment, and long-term business partnerships between the two growing regions.
MinDA Chairperson and Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno underscored Mindanao’s strategic location, rich natural resources, strong agricultural foundation, and rapidly expanding agro-industrial sector as primary advantages for international investors.
“With fertile soils, a strategic position facing ASEAN neighbors within BIMP-EAGA, and an expanding agro-industrial sector, Mindanao offers an ideal platform for high-value processing, trade, and sustainable investment,” Magno stated.
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Strategic Economic Complementarity: Discussions centered on aligning Yunnan Province and Mindanao’s mutual strengths across agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, fresh-cut flowers, and vegetables.
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Expanding Government and Private Sector Ties: The dialogue featured multi-sectoral leaders, including representatives from the Philippine Information Agency network, local government units, and regional trade bodies.
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Institutional Partnerships: A proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) and Yunnan Province—facilitated through MinDA—was formally tabled to cement future business linkages.
MinDA Executive Director Usec. Janet M. Lopoz emphasized the agency’s commitment to easing business expansion and connecting investors directly with regional prospects.
“We hope that this engagement is only the first of many meetings between MinDA, our Mindanao business sector, and Yunnan Province. May this exchange serve as a strong foundation for lasting partnerships, increased trade, and shared prosperity,” Lopoz noted.
Echoing these sentiments, Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province Deputy Director General Mr. Ma Jun pointed out the expansive potential found within the complementary markets of Yunnan and Mindanao, specifically highlighting cooperation in food processing, plateau agriculture, and energy industries.
Presenting the region’s economic profile, MinDA Investment Promotion and Public Affairs Office Director IV Rodrigo B. Giducos highlighted Mindanao’s resilient economic performance, noting its robust growth trajectory, a 36-percent contribution to the nation’s food supply and raw materials, thriving agricultural exports, and expansive power and mineral resources.
Additionally, Davao City Investment Promotion Center Investors Assistance Servicing Unit Head Mr. Christian Cambaya outlined Davao City’s investor incentives and thriving sectors—ranging from agribusiness, IT, and manufacturing to infrastructure, health, and expanding durian exports to China. DCCCII President Dr. Mirasol B. Tiu further assured full private sector backing to translate these initiatives into concrete opportunities for local communities.
The high-level meeting concluded with an open forum addressing crucial trade components, including cargo connectivity, direct flight prospects, seasonal fruit distribution, and beef imports, supported by a broad delegation of Chinese trade officials, enterprise executives, and DCCCII sectoral leaders.
Through these initiatives, MinDA continues to drive President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives for robust public-private partnerships, food security, energy security, and active international economic collaboration via regional frameworks like BIMP-EAGA.
