Istambay sa Mindanao

Personal blog of MindaNews' Walter I. Balane. Visit www.mindanews.com for more news, views and information on Mindanao.

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Location: Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines

I'm Walter Balane. I am a journalist based in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines. I initiated the group called Atong Press (www.atongpress.ning.com) for press freedom and responsibility and media education in Bukidnon.

Monday, July 24, 2006

[NEWS] Envoy eyes more Chinese investors, tourists to Davao

(I'm back blogging! But I got this busy news day. How I wish I could multiply myself. This one is about the Chinese ambassador: The Chinese are here, there and everywhere! This could be a creeping invasion, too. But well, I think this should mean more investment and employment to Mindanawons? I hope the benefits exceed the costs. This could be a renewal of centuries old of trading relationships between China and Mindanao.)

DAVAO CITY (Courtesy of MindaNews/24 July) -- Impressed by "Davao's safety,
security and cleanliness," visiting Chinese Ambassador Li Jinjun said
he will introduce the city not only to more Chinese investors but also
to tourists.

Li made the pronouncement while meeting Vice Mayor Luis Bonguyan in a
courtesy call Monday at the city mayor's office.

The ambassador, who first passed by Zamboanga in his first visit to
Mindanao, is in town to meet Davao's Filipino-Chinese community and to
"see for himself the local economic and security situation in the
city."

Speaking through an interpreter, Li said many Chinese businessmen
wanted to invest in Mindanao but are worried by the negative reports
they have heard.

But he said his visit will change the wrong impression his countrymen
harbor. "I am impressed with this beautiful city," Li told Bonguyan.

"Davao is safer and more secure than Manila," Li said.

He said many businessmen from mainland China are waiting for results
of his visit so they could start exploring the possibility of
investing in Davao.

He cited Davao's role in the future of economic development in
Mindanao and the country. He said they are willing to cooperate in the
BIMP-East Asia Growth Area "where Davao plays a big role."

Li said a group of businessmen are eyeing to put up an industrial park
in Davao City.

He also cited a plan to encourage more Chinese airlines to establish
direct routes to Davao as his country has a lot of tourists wanting to
come.

Bonguyan said even if Davao gets only a small percentage of the
Chinese tourists, it would already be good enough, considering that
Chinese tourists reach millions.

The vice mayor said Davao is exerting efforts to establish sisterhood
ties with Naning, China. The Naning mayor visited Davao last April. It
was in Naning where the Asean China Expo 2004 was held where
a Mindanao delegation was sent.

Bonguyan told Li the Filipino-Chinese community in Davao plays a big
part in the city's economy, with many of them in control of many
industries.

He also announced the approval of the city ordinance detailing the
creation the city's Chinatown district to "give more importance to the
culture and the role of the Filipino-Chinese community" in Davao.
(Walter I. Balane / MindaNews)

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