Thursday, October 18, 2007 Mayor vows to bring new investments from Nanning By Grace L. Plata
MAYOR Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to get commitments from Chinese investors to pour in capital in Davao City when he returns from Nanning City on Sunday.
Duterte left Monday with Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang to pay a courtesy visit on the city of Nanning in the People's Republic of China (PRC), which is Davao's sister city by virtue of a pact signed on September 3 at the Marco Polo Hotel.
Duterte, during the signing, said investments are expected to come in as a result of the friendship pact.
It is the mayor's first visit to the Chinese city while the mayor of Nanning had visited Davao City for several times.
"It's about time I repay the courtesy," Duterte said in an interview Monday.
Duterte said he would be meeting with Chinese businessmen and investors during his visit to Nanning. The meeting was arranged by Mayor Chen Xiangqun.
"They (Chinese) are awash with money. They have their trade surplus that they need to invest. I will be trying to convince them to do it in Davao. The initial reception to the idea has been met positively as they see that Davao is very receptive," Duterte said.
The mayor said he is banking on the potential of China's competitiveness, which will be beneficial for Davao City because of the partnership.
"They will only need to improve on the quality of their goods, then they can compete with everybody," Duterte said.
In an earlier interview, City Administrator Wendel Avisado said Nanning as a Special Economic Zone will open up doors for Davao to expand its network.
It is also the only city in China that is allowed by its government to hold a yearly international trade fair and exhibit, facilitating exchange with the Asean region.
