Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) deputy executive director, Assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro told reporters on Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media forum at the Abreeza-Ayala Mall that during the Japan’s head of state visit, business meetings and investment forum will be held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel.
During the meeting, business leaders in Mindanao and economic agencies including Department of Trade and Industry and Minda will present before the prime minister.
“The visit of Prime Minister Abe in the country particularly Mindanao definitely brings Philippine–Japan ties to a new level.
It sends a strong signal to not just Japanese investors here but to all (the business community) of a confidence of Japan in the Philippines, an implication of an improved confidence level to explore opportunities in the country particularly Davao,” he said.
Montenegro added the visit is a major indication of Japan’s trust to the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte in the country and as this year’s chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Japan, though not a member of Asean, is a major dialogue partner of the economic group.
Prime Minister Abe will spend two days in the country; he will visit first Manila on January 12, Thursday. On Friday, Abe will also visit Duterte’s residence in Matina, and plans to visit Mintal, as it was the center of Japanese economic prosperity before World War II.
Japan, through the years, has established diplomatic and economic ties with the Philippines.
It also poured substantial funding support in the Philippines through Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). Jica in 2014 has poured about US$3.3 billion in terms of official development assistance (ODA) accounting about 24 percent of the entire Philippine ODA portfolio.
Jica is among the largest ODA partner of Philippines. “Mindanao is taking its share of spotlight as far as Japanese support is concern,” Montenegro said.
SOURCE: SUNSTAR