European investors keen on NegOcc
BACOLOD CITY — The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines is thinking of helping Italian and other European investors set up ventures in Negros Occidental involving big infrastructure projects.
The prospects of partnerships were revealed by Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon as Italian Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lorens Ziller visited the province for a three-day familiarization tour.
Ziller met with Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Wednesday, and Carbon said Ziller was interested in partnering with the province in building roads, bridges, railways and other infrastructure projects.
Carbon said Ziller believes an efficient road system will spare the province of the traffic and transportation woes plaguing Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.
It would also mean growth in the agriculture sector, which is one of the economic drivers in the province, Carbon added.
Apart from meeting the governor, Ziller also attended the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Italian and local chambers to work together in creating various projects, Carbon said.
Ziller also wants to attend the “Invest in Negros” forum on Sept. 26, which part of the Negros Trade Fair in Makati City.
The forum, organized by the provincial government, Bacolod chamber of commerce and Association of Negros Producers, will be hosted by the Italian chamber at Dusit Thani Hotel, and is expected to be attended by Italian and other European company representatives.
Marañon also invited Ziller to look at the tourism potential of the southern cities and towns of Negros Occidental.