Davao City steps up efforts to become global investment hub

She said the DCIPC continues to conduct investment promotion roadshows to introduce Davao City to both local and foreign investors and to find the right markets for the city’s local products. 

Dayap said virtual roadshows, conducted at the height of the pandemic, introduced the DCIPC to more potential markets.

She said in 2021, the DCIPC held 12 investment promotion roadshows conducted online via Zoom. 

This year, she said, DCIPC conducted two virtual roadshows with business delegations from India and the USA. There will be two roadshows scheduled for business delegates from Australia and the Middle East. At least three more will be organized for 2022, she said. 

Apart from virtual roadshows, the DCIPC is also promoting high-value products, such as durian to foreign markets.

Dayap said the stable security situation in the city, after having been declared insurgency-free, had significantly improved investor confidence, especially in the agri-business sector.

“There are many investors that are looking at these areas to put their investments, for example, the Pacquibato or Marilog areas. So this (insurgency-free situation) really helped, and if it happens that investments start to really pour into those areas, of course, we will be able to provide better job opportunities for residents there,” Dayap said in a report from the City Information Office.

Dayap also confirmed that some foreign entities have expressed interest in developing areas in the Pacquibato district for corn plantation and processing facilities.

A 25-hectare durian plantation in Paquibato District is also being proposed by a Singaporean investor. The said area had already been declared insurgency-free since February 2019. 

Dayap further said the easing of travel restrictions and the recovery of the tourism industry will renew foreign interest, prompting the need for a stronger promotional strategy to attract more investors.  

“Kailangan i-intensify ang promotion, i-intensify pud ang education, information drive na ingani ang situation sa Davao City in terms of stability sa peace and order, in terms of political stability, also in terms of stability sa policies nato,” she said.