THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry in the region (DTI XI) recognized the need for innovation and revitalization of industries through international trade participation and diversification.
“To be known as an investment destination, we need to go out of our comfort zone and not just rely on what we have locally,” DTI XI regional director Ma. Belinda Ambi said during the Davao Regional Development Plan 2023 – 2028 Press Conference last May 23.
She said they would continue strengthening partnerships with other institutions and private partners, such as the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and other investment promotion centers.
Ambi added that the local government is also a strong partner through the Davao City Investment Promotion Center. She said they are actively pushing for investments to go into their areas, specifically in industries with a competitive advantage.
Since the prominent industries in the region are agri-based, Ambi said they are looking forward to processing these agri-based products to add more value. They will also set up programs for more micro and small enterprises can participate, not just producers like farmers, but also processors.
She said Davao Region has a lot of potential products, not only traditional exports, and they are trying to diversify what they can ship out to the international market.
The region has been tied up with traditional exports for the longest time. This time, the department will focus on innovation and revitalization of industry, manufacturing, and other services or other value-adding enterprises.
“For us to be able to export more, we have to be more competitive,” she said.
Ambi said they are also looking at the creative industry since there is a lot of untapped potential for the Davao Region, especially digital creatives, crafts, and other creative products. She hoped they could harness this potential for the export market.
“That’s really the plan, to have the reconnections with international markets,” Regional Development Council XI co-chair PSR Arturo Milan said.
