Ease of doing business in Davao City lauded

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) lauds the City Government of Davao in efficiently facilitating investment influx and ease of doing business.

BCCP executive chair Chris Nelson told SunStar Davao in an interview Friday, March 31, at the sidelines of the Mindanao Trade and Investment Forum at the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao that Davao City is a good model for cities with outstanding performance in championing ease of doing business.

"What you're doing here is actually great. Obviously, ease of doing business helps a lot of businesses to flourish," he said.

He added that Davao is now in the center of the eyes of British-based firms.

Over 30 companies participated for the two-day British Chamber-led trade and investment mission to Mindanao. These companies are from various sectors including banking, agribusiness, among others.

"This trade and investment mission's ultimate goal is to introduce Davao and the wider Mindanao to various companies that would lead to investments here and vice versa," he said.

The mission was led by British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Amad.

The forum was also attended by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

"We are here to grow to grow our presence and our partnership. We believe that PH can be in the top 40 economic and political power in the world soon," Amad said.

"This is a country of great potential, and we are here to take part, the growth should not just be in Luzon but in the whole country," the ambassador added.

Nelson underscored that the foreign companies' investment directions are in infrastructure, agribusiness, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and energy.

Also, the British envoy showed commitment to fully support the Duterte administration's 10-point socio-economic agenda.

Also, agriculture in Mindanao was highlighted as one great area for investment. The Mindanaoan agriculture players were also urged to value add its product to seize great global opportunities.

The trade and investment mission to Davao City was spearheaded by BCCP in partnership with British Embassy Manila, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Makati Business Club and Philippine British Business Council.