Belgium is exploring expanded investment opportunities in Mindanao, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and maritime industries, as the Philippines and Belgium celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations, according to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
Officials from MinDA met with Vladislava Iordanova in Davao City on Tuesday to discuss potential areas of cooperation that could bring European investments to the southern Philippines.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said Belgium expressed particular interest in supporting the region’s cacao and coffee industries, as well as strengthening value chains and international market linkages for key agricultural commodities such as bananas.
“Mindanao’s strength lies in its farmers and producers. By linking our cacao and coffee industries to global markets, we can uplift communities and sustain our role as the nation’s food basket,” Magno said.
Magno said that aside from agriculture, the discussions also covered potential Belgian participation in renewable energy projects and sustainable power infrastructure in Mindanao.
He added that Belgium’s interest aligns with broader European Union green transition initiatives, which promote investments in clean and sustainable energy systems.
Magno said maritime industry investments and infrastructure development were also identified as potential areas for cooperation, reflecting Mindanao’s strategic location along key regional trade routes.
MinDA also highlighted improvements in peace and order and stronger governance coordination across Mindanao, which officials said are helping make the region more attractive to foreign investors.
“With peace steadily holding across Mindanao, our focus now is to bring in investments that generate jobs and sustain inclusive growth,” Magno added.
Magno said that with Belgium signaling stronger interest in the region, Mindanao is increasingly being positioned as a strategic gateway for international investment and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.
