Mindanaotoday.com | Chinese bizmen see big potential for Surigao Sur, Agusan Sur
By: Erwin Mascariñas
BUTUAN CITY – Chinese companies, and businessmen together with Consul General Li Lin of the People’s Republic of China visited several areas in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur on a two-day trip to look into and make an initial assessment of the business potential of the province.
“Three weeks ago, Mayor Garay of Bislig and Provincial Board Member Atty Conrad visited our consulate office in Davao and invited us to visit the province to further discuss economic cooperation and friendly exchanges, and hopefully look into business opportunities and socio-economic developments,” said Lin.
Lin stated that he invited some of the Chinese business delegates, entrepreneurs, and representatives of major Chinese enterprises on the two-day trip to the province of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur.
“After the restrictions of the pandemic are lifted, this trip is a good time to have a field study for business potential and establishing ties. Although it’s only a quick visit, we’ve managed to meet with local authorities, with the local chamber of commerce and also, we met some local business people and hopefully strengthen cooperation with our two governments,” said Lin.
Lin added that together with his colleagues in the Chinese consulate, they found that the business opportunities for cooperation between China and the southern part of the Philippines have great potential, and with the peace and order situation improving now very good conditions for further continuity of this good cooperation of the two countries.
The delegation’s first stop was Bislig City on July 11 and visited the Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP), the airport, the tourist destination of Tinuy-an Falls, and other parts of the city.
Mayor Florencio Garay of Bislig City presented the Chinese delegation the presented the investment opportunities and cooperation in Bislig and also introduced the prime and vast potential of its eco-tourism, agricultural, and aquamarine resources.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Mabel Acosta who accompanied the Chinese delegation pointed out the Memorandum of Agreement signed by MinDA and LGU Bislig to establish an economic zone to spur economic growth and local employment.
School partnership with Huawei
On July 12, the delegation made a quick stop in Tagbina town, Surigao del Sur for the signing ceremony of the Huawei ICT Academy partnership program between HUAWEI and North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU).
NEMSU with a campus population of 27,000 students, with seven campuses throughout the province of Surigao del Sur is considered by the representative of Huawei as a good start where the academic partnership can be built.
According to Chen Shihao, Representative of HUAWEI Philippines in Mindanao, they are also looking for other potential partners for the program in other schools in Caraga Region.
Huawei ICT Academy is a partnership program between Huawei and different educational institutions around the world. Through this partnership, the academy delivers Huawei ICT technology training, encourages students to obtain Huawei certificates, and develops talents with practical skills for the ICT industry and the community.
Bigger market
Nelson V. Chua, president of Goldens Dynasty Motors Inc (GDMI) and who is also into the banana export business pointed out that there is great business potential for growth in the region.
“We’ve seen how the industries and the entire business sector took a hit during the pandemic, hopefully with this visit we can find better ways to connect and link with potential partners,” said Chua.
GDMI is planning to open its sales office in Surigao City and several branches in other parts of Mindanao.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. who welcomed the delegation on the afternoon of July 12, expressed his optimism about the visit of the delegation and stated that the province is open to a bigger market and good business opportunities with the Chinese businessmen. (MT)
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