By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Davao City continues to attract international attention and gain growing opportunities for foreign partnerships and investments following its participation in the Green Empowerment Seminar for ASEAN Countries in Beijing, China.
The seminar was recently attended by Councilor Radge Ibuyan, chairperson of the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Councilor Temujin Ocampo, chairperson of the Environment and Natural Resources, among other city officials.
Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum on Tuesday, July 21, Ibuyan refused to name which countries have pledged to partner with Davao City, saying discussions are still ongoing.
Ibuyan said the seminar underscored the government’s role in strengthening the local economy by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, and empowering people through livelihood programs, skills training, job opportunities, and market access.
“We saw how government properties and public spaces can be used for themed fairs, exhibits, pop-up markets, and business events there,” Ibuyan said, adding that Davao City could do the same here, where MSMEs can promote and sell their products.
By maximizing the government-owned properties for such activities, the councilor said, this would help local businesses build their brands, generate additional revenue for the city government, and contribute to the local economy’s growth.
He said the seminar also allowed participants to exchange ideas and best practices with delegates from Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, China, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other ASEAN countries.
Ibuyan said one of the key lessons shared by participating countries was the importance of supporting local products while ensuring that economic development goes hand in hand with environmental protection.
“We do not have to sacrifice nature to achieve development. Both can play important roles at the same time by ensuring that economic progress goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability,” he said.
According to Ibuyan, the Chinese government organized the seminar through its National Forestry and Grassland Administration to discuss tourism, environmental initiatives, and economic opportunities.
During the event, the councilor said he delivered a lecture on the Philippines and Davao City’s economic background, highlighting the city’s investment opportunities, strategic economic growth, and institutional development.
He said many foreign delegates initially associate the Philippines with Metro Manila, allowing Davao City to present itself as a gateway to Mindanao and an attractive destination for trade, investments, and business partnerships.
“We emphasize that Davao City has a stable local government, a strong economy, and a high growth rate. We also tell them that the city is open to investments, trade, and economic partnerships,” Ibuyan said.
The councilor said over 10 ambassadors and foreign dignitaries from Europe, the United States, and Asia have visited Davao City in recent months, creating opportunities to strengthen international partnerships and attract future investments.
Ibuyan underscored the value of international engagements like this in attracting investments, expanding trade opportunities, and promoting Davao City as a competitive destination for foreign partners.
