Davao City seeks investments after visits by three ambassadors in one week

Davao City is pushing to convert a week of diplomatic visits into actual investments, after the ambassadors of Italy, the United States and New Zealand separately paid courtesy calls on Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, according to Edge Davao.

Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio visited on October 20, US Ambassador Lee Lipton on October 22, and New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherine McIntosh on October 26. Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance Servicing Unit of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), said the back-to-back visits point to growing international interest in the city.

"We believe that the international community is taking notice of Davao City and the opportunities we can offer," Cambaya said. He credited the city's role as Mindanao's economic centre, as well as its governance, peace and order, infrastructure and business climate.

Cambaya said the DCIPC has urged the envoys to go beyond ceremonial visits and bring in investors who can create partnerships and jobs for Davaoeños. He matched each country to the city's 10 preferred investment areas: Italy in agribusiness and food processing; the United States in IT-BPM, innovation and professional services; and New Zealand in agriculture, food production and education. Investors in these areas may qualify for city tax incentives, he said.

Beyond incentives, the DCIPC said it helps foreign investors obtain permits and licences, set up business meetings and find local partners. It also works with the American, Canadian, Japanese and European Union business chambers and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Cambaya added that the proposed European Union-Philippines trade agreement could open European markets to Mindanao products.

Cambaya named peace and order as the city's main selling point, followed by good governance and having a dedicated investment office. He also cited the Davao Coastal Road, the bypass road, the planned public transport system and the proposed upgrade of Davao International Airport, along with access to beaches and mountains.

He encouraged local entrepreneurs to do due diligence and treat the DCIPC and city government as partners. He said the city is also streamlining business permit applications and improving procedures for building permits and zoning clearances.