Mindanao, remains competitive despite the challenges encountered.

Members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Southern Mindanao Business Council conducted a Roundtable Discussion with H. E. Franz Jessen, Ambassador of EU to Philippines. The event was held in Park Inn Radisson Hotel last February 19, 2019.

The discussions began with Mr. Tony Peralta, Chairman of the ECCP Southern Mindanao Business Council, presenting the recent activities and recognitions of ECCP Davao. Ambassador Jessen also shared latest developments and exchanged views on the EU investment in Mindanao. It was followed by an open forum from the members of ECCP Southern Mindanao. Mr. Art Milan, President of Davao Chamber, highlighted the latest investment opportunities for Davao in (Agriculture, Tourism, and Manufacturing) and growth of the ICT sector in the city.

During the open forum, Mr. Markus Ableitinger and Mr. Bertel Ingmar, both European businessmen, raised the issue on the changing the perception of European countries that Mindanao as unsafe because of Martial Law, and also, to promote the island, especially Davao as a safe city to increase investor confidence. Executives from Malagos Garden and VSO Philippines also asked the assistance of the EU Embassy in promoting student exchange programs between EU countries and the Philippines.

The meeting ended with a talk from Dr. Amor Pendaliday of Bangsamoro Oil and Fuels Corporation on stressing the role of the private sector in the development of the newly established Bangsamoro Region in Mindanao.