Mindanao execs target more infusions despite conflict

08/15/2008

Despite the renewed armed conflict between the government and Muslim rebels, Mindanao business leaders are expecting to close fresh investments and business opportunities in the next major gathering of the region’s businessmen this month.

The 17th Mindanao Business Conference, which was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), hopes to attract new investors in the areas of mining, shipping, services, tourism and logistics.

PCCI secretary general Cris Frianeza told reporters in a news conference yesterday that apart from business matching and possible entry of new investments, the event will also open an opportunity to Mindanao-based businessmen to provide insights on the ongoing hostilities in some parts of the region.

Frianeza added the conference hopes to kick off series of discussions and consultations on how to address the conflict and get their (businessmen) consensus on the proposed independent Islamic state in Southern Mindanao. “We hope to come up with a Mindanao wide position on the issue.”

Business chambers in Isabela Basilan and Zamboanga City have passed a resolution opposing the provinces’ inclusion in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The conference, however, will be focused on how to promote the entire region of Mindanao as an ideal site to do business, he added.

Foreign Chambers from the Middle East, Japan, Malaysia and United States are expected to participate in the three-day gathering from Aug. 27 to 29 at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center in Dipolog City.

It has already lined up six policy items in the agenda that was earlier submitted to President Arroyo.

Among these would include increased infrastructure spending from 15 percent of the total national budget in 1999 to 28 percent at present, and hopefully be granted 35 percent; lowering the cost of shipments of goods and the promotion of roll-on, roll-off; clear-cut policy on mining; and increase monitoring of budget allocations for infrastructure development projects.

The Mindanao chamber is composed of 32 different trade groups, 48 business communities, over 100 cooperatives, and various organizations. It represents 60 percent of business in the region or one-third of the PCCI network. Ayen Infante

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