Mindanao, in general, and Davao City in particular, are among the areas that Malaysian investors are looking to expand their footprints.

A business forum for Malaysian investors and businessmen based in Davao City was attended by (from left) Matrade Senior Director Abu Bakar Yusof, Davao Chambers of Commerce and Industry EVP John Carlo Tria, Malaysian businessman Choo Chee Hiong, Consul General of Malaysia in Davao Honorable Nur M. Harun, Davao City Councilor Nilo Abellera Sr., and Matrade Trade Commissioner Siti Azlina.

DAVAO CITY — Some 38 Malaysian businessmen representing 33 companies last week went on a trade mission in Davao City to explore investment opportunities in Mindanao. The investors are seeking to expand their businesses by establishing partnerships with Mindanao-based companies.

Organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade), the trade mission was held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City and was highlighted by 16 engagements with local businessmen for possible joint ventures. Aside from the Malaysian companies, some 100 local firms, some of them from areas outside of Mindanao, also took part in the mission.

The forum also included presentations made by the Davao City Investment Promotion Center.

Matrade is the trade department of the Embassy of Malaysia. It was established to facilitate the exploration of business opportunities to orient Malaysian companies on the investment climate of various countries.

Abu Bakar Yusof, senior director of Matrade, said Malaysian companies need to understand the local economy and the investment landscape of a country and the sectors that are being promoted.

“They can explore (the areas) to collaborate with the local governments, with the local business community. We want our Malaysian investors to do things (the) right (way),” he explained.

He pointed out that Mindanao, in general, and Davao City in particular, are among the areas that Malaysian investors are looking to expand their footprints. Davao has been aggressive in promoting its various industry sectors, he noted.

For her part, Matrade Manila trade commissioner Siti Azlina Mohd Ali Hanafiah said the goal of the trade mission was to also provide Malaysian investors the avenue to look into the business opportunities in Mindanao and provide a venue for Malaysian companies to share new technologies and innovative products to the local companies.

“We would like to bring more innovative products from Malaysia,” she said, adding that the Malaysian business sector has been adopting new innovative solutions that can help local companies improve productivity.

Six of the Malaysian companies that attended the event engage in information and communications technology sector.