Tuesday, April 03, 2007 Japanese chamber to boost Mindanao's economic dev't
THE Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao, Inc. (JCCM) was formally launched in a grand ceremony at the Davao Trade and Convention Center in Davao City on Saturday.
More than 200 participants to the historic event, which included Representative Prospero C. Nograles, top government and business officials, observed that the establishment of the JCCM is a big step towards expanding not only the city's economy, but the entire island of Mindanao.
Prior to the inauguration, a special assembly was held for the selection of the JCCM officers, which was followed by a press conference.
The inauguration started with call to order and ended with adjournment by newly-elected president of the JCCM, Sumihiro Nakao. The induction of officers was also held during the inauguration, followed by a cocktail reception at the Zakoya Restaurant.
As JCCM president, Nakao said in his message during the inauguration that "the establishment of the JCCM marks an important milestone in the economic development of Mindanao."
Nakao also said the much improved political and peace and order situation in Mindanao, as well as the many positive developments between Japan and Mindanao relations, prompted them to push through with the long-delayed establishment of a Japanese Chamber here in Mindanao.
"We believe now is the best time to form the organization so that we can cooperate with other business groups to make Mindanao's economic environment more competitive and make the island an attractive investment destination for Japanese and other foreign investors," he continued.
Noriyuki Katayama, JCCM treasurer, said all the JCCM members are full of positive hopes that the organization will achieve its goals for Mindanao and its people and that the inauguration will have a great impact not just on business but in all other aspects of Japan-Mindanao relations.
