Dino spearheads first International investment forum in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – The office of the Presidential Assistant in the Visayas will mount the first International Investment Forum in Cebu, showcasing the investment attractions of the different regions in the Visayas.

Michael Dino, Presidential Assistant to the Visayas announced Saturday, that his office has started to coordinate with foreign chambers like the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), ASEAN business organizations, to bring in foreign investors to the event, to explore opportunities for investments in different regions.

In an interview, Dino said there is a need for Visayas to reach out to the international investment community in order to pump prime the FDI (foreign direct investments) revenues specifically in regions 6, 7, 8 and 18.

"We want these regions to showcase what they can offer to the world," Dino said adding that Samar for instance has huge potential to host several FDIs specifically in agribusiness, and other industries.

Dino said his office already coordinated with the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His office will also connect with other business organizations in the Visayas including the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the coming days.

The three-day event is targeted to be held by October or early November this year.

"We are linking the regions to the world," Dino said hinting that this is part of the present administration's series of programs to spread revenue opportunities in provincial levels.

Local government units within the Visayas are also being alerted on this event, to prepare their presentations to the international investment community – in tourism, industry and other attractive investments opportunities.

The holding of the international investment forum will jumpstart the mounting of many investment promotional programs under the Duterte administration in coordination with the LGUs and private sector.

He said his office is also working with an international organization to help in organizing this event, touching base with the broader foreign investment community to take a look the wealth of opportunities in the Visayas. (FREEMAN)