BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews/19 July) – The Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCIFI) is “90 percent ready” for the Mindanao Business Conference to be held here on Aug. 2 to 4.
Cherry May Busa, member of the board of trustees of BCCIFI, pointed out that the preparations is all set and that they are just ironing some final details for the annual gathering that carries the theme “Invest in Mindanao: Towards a More Inclusive, Progressive and Greener Future.”
Around 700 private businessmen and entrepreneurs from all over Mindanao are expected to attend the conference, said Busa.
Alfredo Baluyut Jr., BCCIFI past president, said that the business conference would influence policy makers and businesses all over Mindanao.
“Since we are the host, Butuan City would be partly the focus, as well as issues affecting our region. Business policies on the mining industry, wood and agro business in the region will be parts of the highlights,” said Baluyut.
Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun expressed optimism for the upcoming event.
“This event is a welcome development for Butuan City and the entire Caraga region. It is a chance for us to show the conference participants what Butuan has to offer,” said Fortun.
The vice mayor cited the recent gathering of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines here last June, which he said was a success. Butuan, he added, focused its presentation on eco-tourism and environmental preservation.
For MinBizCon, he advised the local government to focus its presentation on improving the city’s business planning. “In the Sangguniang Panlungsod, we will be focusing on plans and business packages that would be friendly so it would be easier for investors to open businesses here in our city,” he said.
Councilor Ryan Culima, of the Committee on Trade and Industry, advised that the city’s economic policies should be discussed, as well as the limitations of doing business in Butuan and in the region. (Erwin Mascariñas / MindaNews)
