SOUTH KOREA is hoping to forge private sector-led partnerships in Mindanao agriculture, energy and infrastructure ventures, its embassy in Manila said, expanding on South Korean companies鈥 long-standing relationships in Luzon and the Visayas.
鈥淭he sessions of the meeting or forum on April 26 will consist of agriculture, energy and resources, and infrastructure,鈥 the embassy鈥檚 First Secretary Lee Youngsin said in a Viber message to聽大象传媒.
The聽Republic of Korea-Mindanao Sectoral Discussions and Business to Business Meeting will be held in Davao City to help South Korean companies establish networks with the Mindanao business community.
鈥淭his visit is expected to provide an avenue for leading Korean companies to build partnerships with local entrepreneurs and explore possible business opportunities in Mindanao,鈥 Ambassador Kim In-chul said in a statement on Wednesday, noting that his country鈥檚 private sector is keen on exploring Mindanao鈥檚 investment and business potential.聽
Two聽South Korean government organizations and eight companies have confirmed their attendance at the meeting, Mr. Lee said.
South Korea鈥檚 footprint in Mindanao includes key development cooperation projects such as Laguindingan Airport, the Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center, and the ongoing Panguil Bay Bridge project.
鈥淲e are more than happy to facilitate business networks between (South Korea) and Mindanao,鈥 Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta was quoted as saying in the statement.
Ms. Acosta added that MinDA will look into potential areas of cooperation that are aligned with the Brunei Darussalam鈥揑ndonesia鈥揗alaysia鈥揚hilippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) agenda. South Korea is one of BIMP-EAGA鈥檚 development partners while MinDA serves as the sub-region鈥檚 Philippine Coordinating Office. 鈥 Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
