15 Taiwan firms seek Mindanao partners

DAVAO CITY — Another business delegation from Taiwan, composed mainly of companies in four industries, is coming to Davao on Oct. 19 to showcase their products and explore partnerships with local businesses.

The 15 companies are in cosmetics, electronics and home furnishings, agricultural and industrial machineries, and food, according to the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC).

“There is a possibility that dealership agreements will eventually be signed,” MinBC Executive Director Rolando A. Torres told BusinessWorld.

MinBC has partnered with Manila-based Taiwan Trade Center for the series of business matching activities, the first of which was held in March. Another delegation from the health care industry arrived in August.

The Taiwanese group that was supposed to attend the Mindanao Business Conference last September were unable to travel for the event due to typhoon Mangkhut.

For this month’s visit, three cosmetics companies are bringing beauty products for adults and infant care goods.

Those in electronics will have lighting products, closed circuit television camera system, and other similar items.

The machinery firms will showcase their equipment for agriculture and manufacturing as well as seismic monitoring systems.

On food, companies are set to introduce organic goods like multigrain flakes and milk, juices, and condiments.

Arturo M. Milan, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., said the continued interest of the Taiwanese businesses is an indication that they recognize Mindanao’s economic growth potential.

“We just need to prepare ourselves in ensuring that the potentials are realized,” Mr. Milan told BusinessWorld.

He also reiterated the need to develop economic zones to attract more investors alongside the implementation of the revised law on ease of doing business. —