(Photo from MinDA)
DAVAO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with foreign business chambers to connect international investors with priority projects and business opportunities in Mindanao.
The agreement, forged during the recently concluded Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2026, aims to strengthen investment promotion, trade partnerships, and economic cooperation between Mindanao stakeholders and international business networks.
In a statement Tuesday, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said the partnership would translate discussions during the forum into concrete initiatives that could generate investments, strengthen industries, and create jobs.
“The development forum is not just about shared ideas; it is about the partnerships we build and the actions we commit to take together,” Magno said.
Under the agreement, MinDA and the foreign chambers will establish a coordination mechanism to monitor investment leads, identify priority activities, facilitate business connections, and sustain cooperation beyond MDF 2026.
The foreign chambers will promote Mindanao’s investment opportunities through their international networks, connect potential investors with local businesses, and provide market insights to improve the region’s competitiveness.
The partnership also covers investor referrals, business matching, trade linkages, and business-to-business and business-to-government engagements.
MinDA will provide investment information, coordinate with project proponents and government agencies, facilitate investor referrals, and monitor potential business opportunities generated through the agreement.
Both parties will also organize investment forums, business missions, project presentations, investor briefings, and an Investment and Partnership Marketplace.
Priority sectors include agribusiness, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and economic zones.
The initiative is expected to benefit local enterprises, farmers’ organizations, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and project proponents by expanding access to foreign markets, potential investors, technical expertise, and business networks.
Magno said MinDA continues to promote infrastructure and connectivity projects under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More program to improve access to investment areas and strengthen Mindanao’s economic competitiveness.
He added that the agency is working with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center through the Mindanao PPP Facilitation Initiative to help local government units develop viable projects and attract private-sector investments.
The collaboration supports the administration’s efforts to encourage private-sector participation in regional development and expand economic opportunities outside Metro Manila.
“Supporting President Marcos’ goal of inclusive economic growth and job creation, MinDA will leverage its partnership with foreign chambers to connect Mindanao enterprises with international investors, expand market opportunities and generate sustainable livelihoods,” Magno said.
