SMX Convention Center, Davao City
8 August 2013
Speaking before prominent business leaders in Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III appealed for their further participation towards building a global Mindanao, as he graced the 22nd Mindanao Convention Center in Davao City.
In his speech, President Aquino cited a few specific problems in Mindanao that the government is trying to address since he assumed office in 2010. Among these are the following — peace and security thru the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; power sector by tending to realistic matters such as the schedule of brownouts; business development through finding possible avenues to empower Mindanaoans; and improvement of transport infrastructure to help farmers and local industries, and to have profound effects on tourism as well.
With all these efforts, the President likewise stated that they will sufficiently prepare Mindanao for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Integration on 2015. With the government and private sector initiatives, the vision is to create a Mindanao that can compete within the ASEAN community.
“There is no one way to realize the potential that Mindanao has always possessed: it is a pursuit that must be done through the integration of a wide range of industries,” he said.
The Mindanao Business Conference or MINBIZCON 2013 is an annual gathering of senior business leaders and policy makers who exchange ideas on improving the business climate and competitiveness in Mindanao. Bearing the theme Moving Towards ASEAN Business Integration, this year’s conference aims to equip the business community with the necessary tools and information to prepare not just Mindanao but the entire nation as well for 2015.
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