Davao City is exploring stronger economic and institutional ties with Bangladesh, including a possible sister-city partnership that could open opportunities for trade, investment and knowledge exchange.
The initiative emerged during a September 25, 2026 courtesy meeting between the city government of Davao and officials of the Bangladesh Municipal Development Fund (BMDF), who visited the city to benchmark local government practices and explore areas of cooperation.
Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance Servicing Unit of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), said the Bangladesh delegation was particularly interested in learning from Davao City’s governance and development practices.
“They were here to benchmark and learn best practices sa city government of Davao. And also, to forge sister city between Davao with one city in Bangladesh,” he said.
Councilor Ragde Ibuyan received the delegation on behalf of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
The bilateral discussions covered city governance, fiscal management, trade and investment, as well as urban development initiatives that could provide areas for future cooperation.
The Bangladesh delegation presented the country’s major industries, including garments, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and services, while highlighting its economic growth. The delegates also discussed initiatives involving electric vehicles and renewable energy.
DCIPC said potential collaboration in medical education was also raised.
Ibuyan shared Davao City’s experience in public service delivery, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which comprise about 98% of the local economy.
He also highlighted the city’s efforts to expand opportunities for young people through the City College of Davao (CCD) and youth sports scholarships.
The BMDF, meanwhile, outlined its role as a municipal development funder supporting local development initiatives in Bangladesh. The delegation expressed appreciation for the exchange and invited Davao City officials to visit Bangladesh.
Cambaya said the engagement could provide a starting point for identifying practical areas where the two cities can work together.
According to DCIPC, the meeting ended with both sides expressing interest in developing formal mechanisms for sub-national cooperation, investment exchanges and urban governance benchmarking.
