The first-ever Mati City Investment Conference (iCon) is seen to generate at least P500 million worth of new investments while gathering at least 150 potential investors, industry leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Tagged as “Make It Mati iCon”, the upcoming event, which is set on October 26 at Honey’s Hotel here, is a much-awaited move to entice more investors, especially with the vast opportunities that the city offers.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Oriental provincial office, in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Mati City, is spearheading the one-day conference as the one of highlights of the Sambuokan Festival, an annual celebration of the business capital of the province.
The theme, “Investment Opportunities in a Changing Business Landscape”, it is aimed at increasing investments in the tourism, agri-based (coconut, cacao, coffee), poultry, and fishing industries, as well as, in bamboo production and manufacturing.
DTI-Davao Oriental officer-in-charge and acting provincial director Art A. Hermoso shared her appreciation to the Mati City LGU for extending its utmost support to the event.
“We are grateful that the LGU, especially Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, is giving full support to this endeavor. We are also happy that we have sustained this partnership through the years,” the local trade official said.
Hermoso revealed that the Make It Mati iCon will be packed with various highlights and side events, including a plenary hall for investments-related presentations, an exhibit, an activity area showcasing locally produced products and industries. Likewise, breakout sessions for financing, credit brokering, and separate business meetings will be made. Coffee will take the spotlight, too, as the launching of the DTI-Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Program partnership will be done on the said day. This initiative will be on the coffee advancement for productivity and industry development in Davao Oriental.
She encouraged local business people and investors to join the iCon and see for themselves the opportunities they can take advantage of. Among the speakers are from multinational companies, some of which are already operating in the province, and relevant government agencies.
“The conduct of the iCon is aimed at increasing investments not only within the city but also in the entire province. We have a lot of investment potential and opportunities here which we will present on the said day. This will also be a venue for the business sector to assess their strategies to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hermoso noted.“Moreover, the introduction of new investment trends will reignite their passion in business will soon create more industries in the city, and will eventually help the economy to bounce back from the predicament of the global health crisis.”
Apart from these side events, a mobile application that will further put the city on the investments map will also be launched. The Mati App was developed by the Mati City LGU.
“We are very optimistic that this event will eventually open up new investment opportunities for local and foreign investors to invest in the city. The LGU invested in putting up good infrastructures to make investments viable for interested investors in the priority industries,” Hermoso said. “Now is the time to invest in Mati. Make it Mati. Maganahay ngadi!”DTI11/JMM
