KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/02 Sept) — Some 500 foreign and domestic entrepreneurs are expected to gather here for the 18th Mindanao Business Conference on September 17 to 18.
This year’s MinBizCon to be held at the Fitmart Convention Center, will have as its theme, “One Global Filipino Rising Above the Global Challenges.”
MinBizCon is the largest annual gathering of business and industry leaders, government policy makers and stakeholders in Mindanao.
Nine years ago, the convention was also held here in Koronadal. The theme then was “Take the lead, Mindanao” and it was held in September, just as Mindanao was reeling from the “all-out war” of then President Joseph Estrada.
“This year’s conference is a crucial event given the continuing impact of the global financial crisis. We need to move on and rise above these global challenges for the economic growth not just of Mindanao but the whole country,” said Carlito Y. Uy, President of the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (SCCCIFI).
“The Mindanao business community is united in strengthening its alliances with global partners to continue the economic momentum the island has gained over the years. Mindanao has now evolved into an economy which the world should reckon with,” he added.
Uy, also the business conference director, said they expect participants from Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy P. Avance Fuentes and Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel expressed full support for the business conference.
“The conference will showcase the untapped potentials for business, tourism and investments in Mindanao as well as define its significant role in the light of the country’s aspiration to be truly globally competitive,” Fuentes noted.
Miguel said hosting the MinBizcon will help boost the potentials of the locality to become the investment haven of Region 12 or Soccsksargen region. Koronadal is the administrative seat of government of Region 12.
“We will help you build your business, facilitate trade and ensure your safety and security,” Miguel said. (MindaNews)
