Dutch and Belgian ambassadors to visit Davao City as investment push continues

The ambassadors of the Netherlands and Belgium are expected to visit Davao City as early as next week, as the city government works to draw more European investors and build international business ties, Edge Davao reported.

Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance Servicing Unit of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), said both envoys have sent formal letters requesting meetings with Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte. He said the visits are being coordinated with the Office of the City Mayor and will depend on the mayor's availability.

The planned visits follow a series of courtesy calls in October. Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio met the mayor on October 20, United States Ambassador Lee Lipton on October 22, and New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherine McIntosh on October 26.

Cambaya said the DCIPC wants these engagements to produce actual investments. He said the office encourages ambassadors to go beyond meetings that are "not just like photo ops or just ceremonial courtesy calls" and to bring in investors who can help the city's economy and residents.

According to Cambaya, the city is promoting its 10 preferred investment areas and urging foreign business communities to look at sectors where their countries have established expertise. He cited Davao City's peace and order, good governance, improving infrastructure and dedicated investment assistance services as selling points.

He also said major projects, including the Davao Coastal Road, the Davao City Bypass Road, a proposed public transport system and the planned modernization of Davao International Airport, are expected to make the city more attractive to business.

The DCIPC aims to turn the growing foreign interest into investments, business partnerships and jobs for Dabawenyos, Cambaya said.