DAVAO CITY – Leaders in Mindanao region have vowed to sustain and improve both economic ties and cultural exchanges anchored on years of bilateral relations between Philippines and Indonesia.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Nathaniel Dalumpines, in his message during the recent opening of Wonderful Indonesia Tourism, Food, and Trade Expo 2019, said it is good for more people especially the youth, to know and appreciate the culture of its BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area) neighbors through exhibits and activities and the holding of the business networking sessions.
Such activities, according to him, can further strengthen business connections and linkages.
The expo showcases Indonesia's authentic food and delicacies and other export quality products like herbs, coffee, and other beverages.
Indonesia's top tourist destinations were highlighted in a campaign spearheaded by the foreign country's Ministry of Tourism, with seven travel agencies offering packages to Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, and other unexplored must-visit sites.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Mindanao Assistant Secretary Norman Garibay said the expo can be considered as an infusion of fresh blood to the BIMP-EAGA which was the reason their office was established.
"There are changing realities in the island especially with the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the growing economic significance in Mindanao, the Davao Region and Davao City," Garibay stressed.
Cultural presentations were also held during the Expo that runs from July 12 to 14.
In support of strengthening efforts on Mindanao-Indonesia relations, Dalumpines announced that MV Baltic Summer, the vessel utilized by Reefer Express Line Filipinas for Davao-Bitung route arrived Friday afternoon in time for the opening of the Wonderful Indonesia Expo.
"I hope the resumption of the route spurs on more trading activities between our local entrepreneurs and their Indonesian counterparts," he said.
He added that the shipping service has gained the strong support of the government and private sector of Indonesia and that works must continue to ensure sufficient cargo load in order to sustain the said route. (PNA)
