Wednesday, March 26, 2008 300 to join Mindanao trade, tourism confab By Joy Romares-Sevilla
AROUND 300 participants from all over Mindanao are expected to join the 3rd Mindanao Trade, Investment and Tourism Congress (MTITC) to be held in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on April 7 to 13.
This according to Mindanao director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Elena Haw, in Tuesday's Business Forum at the Medispa, SM City Davao.
"We are expecting around 300 participants all over Mindanao aside from the invited investors outside the island. The congress will be held at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol Building in Isulan and we target around 30 or more exhibitors for the trade and tourism exhibit," Haw said, adding that the venue of the event is one of the best capitols in the country now.
Haw said various activities are scheduled during the weeklong event including trade and tourism exhibits, business matching sessions, plenary sessions, shooting fest, and tours to scenic spots in Socsksargen region.
She added that 20 to 25 local tour operators nationwide and members of travel media were also invited in the event and in a one-week familiarization tour of the different tourism sites in the region.
"For the business matching session that will be on April 9, invited local and foreign investors and buyers will be matched with the participants of the exhibits and congress," Haw said.
The shooting fest, called the 1st MinBiz Pistol Match, will be held on April 12 to 13 at the Paxwali Shooting Range in Tacurong City.
"The shooting fest will be hosted by Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto Mangudadatu who is an avid supporter and active sportsmen of the shooting sport," Haw said.
"In this congress, we will also tackle issues and concerns regarding trade and tourism and it will be the first time that the participants will come up with resolutions to address the identified issues and concerns," Haw said.
She added that the congress, with a theme, "Go Mindanao: Gearing towards global competitiveness in trade and tourism," will be graced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Agriculture Department Arthur Yap, and Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab.
The event was organized by the Federation of Business Chambers of Mindanao Foundation Inc., which is also chaired by Haw, in cooperation with the Lalawigan ng Sultan Kudarat, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), PCCI, Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., and Isulan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
It was learned that the first MTITC was held in Dipolog City, while the second was held in Ozamis. (JGRS)
