This year’s Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICON) will highlight “investments for the future” as the theme of the event which runs from July 17 to 19, 2023 at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center.
Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, chairperson of Davao ICON 2023, said on Wednesday that this year’s conference aims to be forward-thinking to prepare businessmen not just to succeed today but to future-proof their businesses.
John Carlo Tria, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), said in future-proofing the economy means attracting the kind of investments that will create long-term growth prospects.
“Because we believe that the future will demand na yung investment mo hindi lang temporary kasi otherwise how can you attract talents to stay, for example, our children. If you are just going to attract investments, parang summer job then chances are they will leave Davao,” he said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall.
Now on its 7th year, the conference will put to spotlight the key investment areas such as manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, innovation/ICT, and cutting across all sectors with property development, human capital build-up, and sustainability training.
“Hence, we will focus on these industries as drivers of growth of Davao’s economy. It shows how diversified our economy is because we all have these industries already flourishing today,” Ledesma said.
The conference is eyeing to gather more than 500 attendees composed of business leaders, visionaries, local and foreign investors, foreign chambers of commerce, top level executives, business councils, and senior government officials, and game-changers to explore successful, in-demand and emerging industries in the region that positions Davao City as a powerful investment hub for global pioneers and innovators.
Ledesma said the participation of all these stakeholders is already a testament to one of the key strengths of the Davao Region.
“That is having a good partnership with both private and public sectors and even extends to foreign linkages,” she said.
Ledesma added that by having dialogues with these stakeholders, the conference will be able to curate a program that is relevant to the times and one that showcases the strengths of Davao City as an investment hub.
“With this conference, will bring in businessmen, CEOs, and executives to come here in Davao to see what is going on here and to feel Davao for themselves. So that they are now more convinced to bring their businesses here in Davao,” she said.
The conference promises commercial opportunities for the 35 exhibitors and sponsors to network directly with delegates and to showcase their products and services both on a digital platform and physical set-up.
“Davao ICON this year is more diversified, and inclusive, that we showcase the vibrant business community here in Davao wherein we have those from large conglomerates those from homegrown brands, and we are also focusing on women investors, young entrepreneurs, and the start-ups. This will show how vibrant and inclusive our economy and business community here in Davao,” Ledesma said.
