Islamic City of Marawi (6 August) -- To uplift the morale of the business sector and other stakeholders through sustained socio-economic development in the province, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur hosted this year's ARMM Business Congress.
Now on its 7th year, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Business Congress is the biggest gathering of key individuals from the government, business sector, and other stakeholders in the region.
Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr said the gathering underscores the need for greater cooperation among stakeholders and strong commitment for capacity building in the region to encourage business activity.
'There are so many brilliant business opportunities in the region and these opportunities are the key to the regional stability, respect and confidence in the vibrant ARMM business community," Gov. Adiong said.
With the theme 'Maximizing Investment Gains to Propel Economic Development in ARMM," the congress aimed to strengthen the partnership among vital stakeholders for peace and development and to entice both local and foreign businessmen to embark on various business ventures in the region.
The two-day gathering was a collaborative effort of the ARMM Business Council (ABC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)– ARMM, Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), Maranaw Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lanao del Sur Provincial Government, and the USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program which is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO).
Activities for the congress consisted of agri-trade exhibit, business matching of interested prospective investors, as well as plenary sessions on the Impact of the Global Economic Crisis, ARMM Economic Agenda, Food Security, and the Business Prospect of Halal Food Industry Development.
The Provincial Governor, meanwhile, hailed DTI for supporting the welfare of farmers, traders and craftsmen by advancing the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) program aimed at strengthening livelihood in rural communities.
Supporting the growth of local SMEs is one of the priority programs of the national government to sustain its anti-poverty thrust as well as stimulate local economic activity. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)
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