DAVAO CITY and Manado, Indonesia are poised to embark on a new era of economic collaboration, as officials from both cities explore potential investment opportunities. The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCI) revealed that discussions during an exploratory business mission to North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on January 4, have laid the groundwork for partnerships in key sectors.
DCCCI President Belinda Torres outlined the focal areas for potential collaboration, stating, “There were four items that were discussed and that we would like to push initially – agriculture, tourism, education, and information communication technology.” The mission, spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), involved representatives from Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), who assessed market conditions and opportunities for reinstating air routes between the two cities.
Both Davao City and Manado have expressed a commitment to establish partnerships with counterparts in various regions of their respective countries. Torres emphasized that the current focus is on identifying key individuals or entities that can lead initiatives in the specified sectors and explore the possibilities for collaboration.
Optimism surrounds the developments in Manado City, with officials hopeful about implementing business opportunities. Torres highlighted the importance of the ongoing discussions, stating, “During the discussion, we have validated what has happened in the previous years. There was also an exploratory mission before, but they said nobody returned to their city.”
As Davao and Manado lay the foundation for enhanced economic ties, the exploration of these key sectors signals a strategic approach to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and driving sustainable growth for both cities.
