As part of the BIMP-EAGA Mission from Japan, a business cooperation meeting among the delegates from Japan, MinBC and DCCCII officials, and Mindanao private sector representatives was held last February 27, 2006 at the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MedCo) Conference Room.
A group of Japanese delegates coming from the government and the private sector headed by Mr. Tohru Kuramata, Regional Coordinator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Second Southeast Asia Division, comprised the BIMP-EAGA Mission from Japan. In line with the mission's aim to support BIMP-EAGA, the delegates representing the government sector focused on possible government-to-government cooperation while those from the private sector were interested on possible investments in Mindanao.
A brief presentation of the investment opportunities in Mindanao was given by the Mindanao Business Council. After which, delegates from both Japan and Philippines were given an opportunity to ask direct questions to the other party.
The JICA Corporation, Japanese-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Marubeni Co. all expressed interest in strengthening their partnership and cooperation with the Mindanao Business Council.
The representatives were also keen on intensifying trade in Mindanao particularly agri-products. Furthermore, they signified interest in strengthening ties with the IT, Agribusiness, and Health and Tourism sectors in Mindanao.
The delegates were divided into four groups representing the four sectors - Health and Tourism, IQF and Trading, IT, and Plantation of Trees - that were identified as priority sectors. Small group discussions were conducted among the participants.
Sec. Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, in his parting words emphasized the need to strengthen the business cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
The Japan mission is a prelude to the forthcoming BIMP-EAGA Week on March 13 to 17. Several activities are lined up to commemorate the 12 years of BIMP-EAGA.
The celebration will highlight the hand-over ceremony of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC), the private sector organization of BIMP-EAGA. MinBC Chair Romeo J. Serra will be inducted into office as the Chairman of the BEBC.
Top government officials and businessmen from the BIM countries are coming to Davao to witness the hand-over ceremony and at the same time, express their full support to the new officers of BEBC. The BIMP-EAGA Week celebration is a partnership of the MinBC, MEDCo, DTI and the DA. (MinBC)
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