Safety is investors’ top concern

Security is seen as the key factor in inviting more investments in Mindanao.

Mindanao Development Authority’s Development Management Officer Raymond Peter Esperat underscored the importance of ensuring business investments in countries where security is at the top of the government’s priority.

“When we had a roadshow in Malaysia and Singapore what the people were interested about is the security of Mindanao,” Esperat said during the Mindanao Energy Plan 2018 public consultation at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.

The tourism and investment roadshow last September 24 to 29 was participated by the local government of Davao City, Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), and delegates from Minda.

Epserat said that one of the concerns which the Malaysian business delegates aired out was on how to secure their business in the country.

Esperat added though the Malaysian delegates knew about the ongoing martial law implementation in Mindanao this did not affect the economic activity and relationship with the Malaysian business delegates.

“Even if we were in martial law, they also saw the growth in terms of our economy in Mindanao,” Esperat said, adding that it will be any country’s concern if investments were initiated at high-risk places.

The Minda officer also said martial law in Mindanao did not hinder on the ongoing infrastructure developments in the island.

Presently, there are six ongoing project for south-central Mindanao. These are: Polloc Freeport, Mindanao River Basin Flood Control Porject, General Santos City Aerotropolis, TransMindanao High Speed Railway System Project, Mindanao Tourism and Cultural Village Center, and Mindanao Road Network Missing Links.

“When we had a roadshow in Malaysia and Singapore what the people were interested about is the security of Mindanao”

Mindanao Development Authority Development Management Officer

RAYMOND PETER ESPERAT