JAPAN Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (JCCI) vice president Takeyoshi Sumikawa confirmed that some Japan-based companies are eyeing Davao City for their expansion.

Sumikawa on Monday, June 10, 2019, said one of the companies that signified interest is a big flower shop which is now looking for another plantation site and may start a flower business in the city or in Mindanao.

There are also a few construction companies exploring the possibility of venturing to the city.

“The flower shop is looking for a good land for plantation and these construction companies’ technology is very good especially for building tunnels and bridges,” Sumikawa said.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (DCCCII) executive vice president John Carlo Tria told SunStar Davao Tuesday, June 11, 2019, that the city’s rapid economic growth and proximity to other countries are just some of the factors being considered by foreign investors.

“Malaking market naman talaga ang Davao City kaya interesado sila. Yan naman ang general sentiment ng madaming foreign investors, when they look at Davao Region, they see a great economy. Ang employment rate pa natin ay mababa, ibig sabihin, malaki ang market talaga. There is a big opportunity for products, food, even tourism,” he said.

“The Davao Investment Conference 2019 will further encourage them as we will discuss possible investments that they can look into as well as mga investment areas that the city is also encouraging,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sumikawa expressed the need for a direct flight between Tokyo and Davao as some of the flowers, for instance, are very expensive to grow and may need to be transported by air.

He said some of the concerns of the Japanese investors include the safety and security, a one-point entry, and a fair tax system.