POSSIBLE investment opportunities on Negros Occidental’s tourism, agriculture, and information and technology (IT) sectors are being eyed by a group of Chinese businessmen.
Provincial Government officials led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., in a meeting on Tuesday, August 1, with representatives of the Overseas Chinese Trade and Investment Mission at O Hotel in Bacolod City, highlighted these three sectors in effort to open possible venture with the foreign investors.
The delegation, joined by the group of Kevin Lim, president of Philippine Chinese Chao Shan Youth Chamber of Commerce, and Interior Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo Jr., arrived Monday in Bacolod, where they also met with the city officials led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Hinlo said the Chinese businessmen came to the country to explore possible business tie-ups.
He noted that most of the delegation is into manufacturing, IT, chemical, shipping, and tourist agency business.
Hinlo said the delegation were happy with the visit, and “they’re going back to China remembering our place.”
He said that he is doing his best to attract more investors – foreign or local – to explore investment opportunities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in preparation for the eventual shift to federal form of government.
Hinlo added that there’s economic success if there is more business in a locality.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares said one of the priority programs of the Provincial Government is tourism, which is a booming industry.
She said tourism-related businesses like tour bus operations, retirement villages, and restaurants, were emphasized during the meeting.
Mansinares said some local government units such as the cities of Victorias, Himamaylan, Bago, Sagay, Talisay and Pontevedra town also presented possible ventures in their respective localities.
She said the foreign investors told them they will study the proposals and will update the provincial government for further collaboration.
Mansinares added that the group have expressed interest on the province’s cultural exchange program, where Chinese students could learn Filipino culture and English language and vice versa.