THE Davao City Government eyed opportunities for export and growth of the city after Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and five Davao City Councilors held a business trip to Shanghai, China last month.
The vice mayor led a city delegation to Shanghai on October 26 to 30, following an invitation of Shanghai officials and the Chinese Ambassador to the country.
City Council majority floor leader councilor Bernard Al-ag described the trip as productive, saying the city will benefit with the improved relationship between the Philippines and China.
Al-ag said they discussed three areas for development: agriculture, infrastructure and real estate, and tourism.
The officials learned that only four agricultural products - mango, banana, pineapple, and pomelo - are currently allowed for importation from Davao City to China.
"The goal now is to increase the number of agricultural products to be accepted by the China government. We would like to include durian, mangosteen, avocado and other vegetables," Al-ag said.
The councilor said a forum has been scheduled in Shanghai this December to thresh-out the importation protocol for every agricultural product.
He added the Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol will attend the forum to finalize the agreement.
"This will have a huge impact to the city because the products of our farmers maging in-demand na then their income will increase," Al-ag said.
He also said the Chinese expressed interest to visit Davao City in 2017, to invest in real estate development.
Al-ag added the City Government welcomes such opportunities as it will generate employment and boost the economy.