Caraga execs, businessmen look forward to Chinese investments

BUSINESS TRIP. Chinese Consul General Li Lin (left) shakes the hand of Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. after a courtesy call at the provincial capitol in Prosperidad town on July 12.

BUTUAN CITY—Businessmen and officials of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur provinces are looking forward to the entry of Chinese investments to spur local economic development.

Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. expressed optimism that the recent visit to the region of Chinese diplomatic officials and businessmen has piqued their interest to do business in his province.

Cane said he looks forward to that time when Agusan del Sur would be effectively connected to the bigger market through the Chinese businessmen.

Chinese Consul General Li Lin, along with several business executives, had a two-day trip to Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur starting on July 12 to look into opportunities for business and economic cooperation.

Lin said the trip was upon the urging of Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay and Surigao del Sur provincial board member Conrad Cejoco “to further discuss economic cooperation and friendly exchanges, and hopefully look into business opportunities and socio-economic developments.”

INTEREST. Chinese Consul General Li Lin (right) talks with Mayor Glenn Batiancila of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur on tourism potentials of the town. Photo by Erwin M. Mascariñas

“Although it’s only a quick visit, we’ve managed to meet with local authorities, with the local chamber of commerce and also, we met some local business people and hopefully strengthen cooperation with our two governments,” Lin said.

Lin added that they found a great potential for cooperation between China and the southern part of the country, especially with the peace and order situation improving.

During their stop in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, information technology company Huawei inked a partnership agreement with North Eastern Mindanao State University to train and develop talents in information and communications technology.

According to Chen Shihao, representative of Huawei Philippines in Mindanao, they are looking for other potential partners for the program in other schools in the Caraga region.

Nelson V. Chua, president of Golden Dynasty Motors Inc (GDMI) who is also into the export of bananas, said that there is a great potential for growth in the region with the entry of Chinese investments.

“We’ve seen how the industries and the entire business sector took a hit during the pandemic. Hopefully, with this visit, we can find better ways to connect and link with potential partners,” said Chua.

/MUF