Biz sector bullish on Mindanao investments

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- Key players in the business sector of Mindanao have shown interest in developing local investments to spur the growth of the economy amidst the global fiancial crisis.

This was disclosed by Ednar Dayanghirang, executive director of the Mindanao Business Council, during the "Kapehan sa Dabaw" forum on Monday at Cafe Rysus of SM City Davao.

He said that as a result of the 6th Investment Conference (iCon) held at Marco Polo Davao last week, the business leaders decided to bring the iCon to Caraga Region next year.

He noted that bringing events like the iCon to other places in Mindanao would allow them to gather as many businessmen in the region.

The three main agricultural products that they will continue to propagate around Mindanao are rubber, pangasius (catfish) and coffee, according to Dayanghirang.

He said that just like in the 6th iCon, these products will be discussed thoroughly with prospective business partners in the Caraga area and in doing so, they would be able to catch the interests of these farm producers within their region.

He cited for instance that with the forging of a Memorandum of Agreement on the propagation of pangasius with three big corporations operating in Mindanao, this project will be given enough technical support.

The three corporations are San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI), Vitarich Corp. and RDEX Foods International Philippines Inc.

Dayanghirang said that during the last iCon, close to 500 businessmen raised queries on the three specific agricultural products.