Small businesses spur growth in Mindanao

DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines – Business leaders are meeting here for the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) to push forward the region’s economic agenda in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integrated economy.

Business growth models were showcased at the opening Wednesday, promoting inclusive growth for small and micro-sized enterprises.

“We are promoting inclusive growth of business by reaching out to small and micro-entrepreneurs to be consolidated and linked with the big business people,” said Annie Ty, chairperson of the 24th MinBizCon and president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Mindanao.

She said more business models will be showcased during the two-day conference at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center.

Ty said links promoting the development of support industries could boost the business industry in southern Philippines.   

“It is very applicable because Mindanao is in the best position with the Asean integration,” Ty said.

Business leaders target the agricultural sector, citing the group for its resources and potentials in the region.

Farmers here were upbeat of the opportunities offered by the 24th MinBizCon, the second business conference to be held in the city since 2008.

Fruit growers meanwhile complained the lack of market which limits their sale and leads to waste of harvest.

Ty said the government had already started several projects for the construction of nautical highways and access road. Airports will also be constructed, increasing cargo flight frequencies in Mindanao.

Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Roberto Uy said the province focused on the establishment of more farm-to-market roads aside from access roads, allowing the local folks to transport products to town markets.  

Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy said the 24th MinBizCon made them optimistic that they could host another business conference in the city.