200 foreign traders to join Davao investment conference

DAVAO CITY -- Around 200 foreign investors have already confirmed their attendance to the 5th Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon) slated on June 20.

John Carlo Tria, executive vice president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) bared this Tuesday, saying  the number is increasing and that the total number of domestic and foreign businessmen could reach 500.

Among the foreign delegates who confirmed their attendance are from China, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Europe.

"We noticed also that most of the delegates especially that outside Mindanao have booked earlier, an indication that they really are interested," Tria said.

According to him, Davao's robust economy has raised the interest of foreign investors, who expected to find out "what sector of the economy is growing and they will know why these sectors are worth investing in."

During the convention, Tria said local groups will share their businesses to their foreign counterparts to help them in their investment decisions.

Along with the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC), he said the local business group has "updated our data to share to them as we are confident to show a Davao economy that is more interesting for these investors."

Tony Peralta, president of the European Chamber of Commerce, said they are expecting over 20 to 25 new investors attending the conference.

"We have been advised also that there are businesses from Austria and Sweden and the Netherlands that are coming," Peralta said, adding that eight ambassadors from EU member-countries will also attend.

The participation of new investors to this event, Tria said, shows that "there is growing interest in Davao and in the other areas. It is also correcting the negative perception of Mindanao brought by the declaration of martial law." (PNA)