Agri-trade exhibit marks opening of 7th ARMM Business Congress

Islamic City of Marawi-- An agri-trade fair and exhibit showcasing local products in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) marks the opening of the 7th ARMM Business Congress in Islamic City of Marawi.

According to Secretary Sajid S. Druz-Ali of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–ARMM, the trade exhibit is a venue for showcasing a number of local products that are seeking further development so that it would find a better market here and abroad.

'The exhibit is one way of showing not only the rich abilities of our local producers for great products but also to invite guests, policy-makers, institutions including the academe to lay their nurturing hands so that these products may evolve further into more market-ready forms," the Secretary said.

Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur said the trade exhibit is a symbol of the joint efforts of the provincial government, farmers, and other stakeholders to promote long-term self-reliant in the rural communities as well as to boost local tourism.

Tourism is tremendous, the Governor said, but there cannot be tourism when there is no production and other economic activities.

Without production, there is nothing for the tourists to look forward to, he stressed.

The ARMM Business Congress is an annual activity of the ARMM Business Council (ABC) Foundation Inc. intended to draw in more investors to further improve the trade and industry activities in the region.

It serves as the vital link between the private sector and the government, harmonizing businesses with local and foreign capitalists to make ARMM a business sanctuary of the country.

This year's congress is anchored on the theme, Maximizing Investment Gains to Propel Economic Development in ARMM," which aims to internalize among players in the business sectors to sustain investment gains in the region.

The different exhibitors who participated in the agri-trade fair came from the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Sur as well as the Islamic City of Marawi. (Apipa P Bagumbaran/PIA)