Indonesia holds investment forum, trade expo in Davao City

DAVAO CITY—At least 26 Indonesian companies joined the Investment, Trade Expo and Business Forum in Davao del Sur’s capital, slated from November 28 to December 1.

The companies specialize in a variety of products ranging from food products, children’s wear, fashion accessories, shoes, leather products, and several others.

Republic of Indonesia’s Consul General in Davao Dinky Fabrian said the event seeks to further improve Indonesian-Philippine trade relations through outcomeoriented business transactions.

In his message during the “Business Networking Session” on November 29, Fabrian said: “We offer a platform for our Filipino brothers and sisters to deepen international business cooperation for our shared prosperity and progress.”

“With the relaunching of ManadoDavao flights, there is more reason for us to develop and strengthen our trade and tourism potentials,” he added.

The consul general also encouraged Mindanao businesses to seize the opportunities presented by Indonesia’s development in the era.

He pointed out that in 2018, Indonesia was the ninth-largest trading partner of the Philippines, 14th as export market, and sixth as import supplier.

Total bilateral trade was valued at $7.81 billion, while exports to Indonesia increased by 21.79 percent from $724.21 million in 2017 to $881.99 million in 2018.

Fabrian added that the trading activities are mainly dominated by Luzon in the Philippines, and Java in Indonesia.

Digna Banzon/PNA