THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) announced plans for the Belgian Embassy to hold “Belgium Days” in Davao to promote business and trade engagements.
The development was unveiled during the meeting between Ambassador of Belgium to the Philippines Vladislava Iordanova and MinDA chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, on Tuesday, March 10.
In a statement, MinDA said “Belgium Days” will further strengthen ties between Belgium and the Philippines, which is expected to have a Davao edition, on top of Manila and Cebu.
“The Belgian Embassy announced plans to hold “Belgium Days” in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, showcasing Belgian companies and innovations while promoting business-to-business engagements,” MinDA stated.
MinDA welcomed the initiative and pledged support for Mindanao stakeholders’ participation.
MinDA and Belgium aim to expand investment opportunities in Mindanao, as the Philippines and Belgium mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.
MinDA said the courtesy meeting with Belgian officials highlighted Mindanao’s potential in agriculture, maritime industries, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
“Mindanao’s strength lies in its farmers and producers. By linking our cacao and coffee industries to global markets, we can uplift communities and sustain our role as the nation’s food basket,” Magno said, noting Mindanao’s role as the country’s “food basket,” producing more than half of the nation’s food supply.
Some of the priority areas identified for international market linkages and value chain development are key commodities such as cacao, coffee, and bananas.
Ambassador Iordanova expressed particular interest in supporting Mindanao’s cacao and coffee industries.
Belgium, aligned with the European Union’s green transition initiatives, expressed willingness to collaborate on renewable energy projects and sustainable power infrastructure in Mindanao to address rising demand and potential power shortages.
Since 2020, the European Union has invested over PHP 9.6 billion (€140 million) in Mindanao.
