Davao Region remains to have a robust economy in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic according to an official of Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao ICon 2021).
Nicole Bian-Ledesma, co-chair of Davao ICon 2021, said this is based on the discussion, sharing of innovations, and success stories shared by the keynoted speakers and participants of the recently concluded conference.
“The recently concluded Davao ICon have gathered the top industry leaders, the game-changers, both in the private and public sectors and local, national and global investors and businessmen. From the discussion, sharing of innovations and success stories, what is apparent is that Davao Region remains to have a robust economy amidst the pandemic – Davao still remains to be the 5th biggest economy in Mindanao as of last year,” Ledesma told Edge Davao.
The conference highlighted Davao Region’s diversified economy with existing major investments in the real estate, manufacturing, tourism and agribusiness industries.
The hybrid conference featured Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez who talked about Agro-Processing and Manufacturing Opportunities in Davao Region; Aboitiz Equity Ventures president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz highlighted Aboitiz as a development partner of Davao and Mindanao; Manila Water Philippine Ventures head of technical operations Joe Costales on Investing in a Sustainable Future through Responsible Water Management; and Cargill Philippines managing director Sonny Catacutan on Investment Opportunities for Agro-Processing in Davao Region.
Ayala Land Inc. chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Cebu Landmasters Inc. chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III discussed about real estate by highlighting mixed-use developments.
Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation chief executive officer Tomas Lorenzo and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat discussed about the Tourism Investment Opportunities and Emerging Markets in Davao Region.
The roundtable discussion was concentrated on Halal Tourism, Agri-Tourism, Medical Tourism, and Investing in Hotels and Resorts.
Bian said with the success of this year’s Davao ICon and with the gradual but safe reopening of businesses and industries, Davao region will bounce back faster than expected.
“This is expected because of the strong confidence of local entrepreneurs, businessmen and investors and a good partnership between private and public sectors. So Davao will even emerge stronger in the years to come,” she said.
