ITALY is eyeing possible investments in the infrastructure and transport sector in Negros Occidental.

Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Inc. (ICCPI), Lorens Ziller said he is particularly impressed by the traffic management of Bacolod City and its ongoing infrastructure developments.

Ziller met with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. on Wednesday, August 15.

Ziller, who is also the vice chairman of the EU Philippines Business Network (EPBN) Infrastructure and Transport Committee, expressed interest and pledged his support to the “Invest in Negros” Forum which will be held in Makati City on September 26.

The said business forum, spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), aims to provide a window for potential investors to be acquainted with the business opportunities in Negros Occidental.

It is part of a campaign to invite investors to the province and hasten economic growth; it also coincides with the Negros Trade Fair, an annual event organized by the ANP.

The forum’s central theme will be the tourism industry cluster and its food and service supply chain covering agriculture, fisheries, livestock, utilities that include water, energy and telecom, and infrastructure that include roads, seaport, and airport.

Its target participants are the senior executives, business associations, and business leaders who are interested to invest in Negros.

Invited panelists to attend are Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Hino Motors Philippines president Hiroshi Aoki, and the University of Asia and the Pacific Center for Food and Agribusiness executive director Rolando Dy, among others.

Marañon also invited Ziller to explore the tourist attractions and potentials of the southern cities and towns of Negros Occidental.

Also present in the meeting were Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr., Provincial Consultant Rafael Coscolluela, Joy Ogan of the Governor’s Office, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal, Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares, and Frank Carbon and Bobby Montelibano of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (PR)