SEVERAL FOREIGN investors have signified interest to venture into some major projects, among them dairy and mushroom processing, in South Cotabato province.
Emmanuel Jumilla, assistant provincial planning and development coordinator, said Monday they have received initial investment inquiries from confirmed participants in the upcoming South Cotabato Investment and Business Conference 2019, slated on July 17 at the Paraiso Verde Hotel in Koronadal City.
Jumilla said a group of investors from the European Union have expressed interest to explore the possibility of putting up processing facilities for mushroom and goat’s milk.
Jumilla said they will link up the group with mushroom producers based in Tupi town and goat raisers in parts of the province.
A group of Italian investors have also shown interest in farm machinery production and may partner with local manufacturer Green Valley Machineries, he said.
“We’re hoping to draw more major investments and business ventures during the conference,” Jumilla, who also heads the South Cotabato Economic and Investment Promotions Center, said in a briefing.
He said five foreign chambers of commerce in the country — European Union, United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy — have been invited to join the business conference. The Indonesian consulate based in Davao City and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry have also committed to send delegates.
Jumilla said one of the highlights of the one-day conference is the presentation on investment opportunities in South Cotabato by Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. It will also tackle other business and investment opportunities in other parts of Region 12 or Soccsksargen.
The event will be joined by officials and representatives from the Mindanao Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Richmond Land Innovations Inc. of RD City Special Economic Zone and pineapple giant Dole Philippines Inc.
The investment promotion cum business-to-business matching conference is one of the highlights of South Cotabato’s 20th Tnalak Festival 53rd foundation anniversary celebration.