The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation in Manila or MATRADE Manila is looking to establish its presence in the growing infrastructure construction market in the Philippines, particularly in Davao City.
On Tuesday, MATRADE held a seminar on investment opportunities and partnership potentials in Davao for Malaysian construction and building firms at the Dusit Thani Hotel. This was participated in by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davao Constructors Association Center Inc., and several local construction and building materials firms.
The seminar, dubbed “Doing Business with Malaysia: Construction and Building Materials Sector,” is part of MATRADE’s market immersion mission in the country which aims to introduce Malaysian firms into the Philippine market in a bid to form trade partnerships and joint ventures.
The Malaysian delegation on Tuesday’s activity included four mid-tier Malaysian firms from the construction and building sector. These firms together with Dabawenyo counterparts participated in a one-on-one business matching session that followed the seminar.
“These companies are experts in their own field, so basically what Malaysia is trying to do is we want to share our expertise and our know-how in how we can support Davao, especially in developing towards a smart city, developing towards a sustainable city,” said MATRADE Manila Trade Commissioner Intan Zalani.
Zalani said Malaysia’s expertise in construction services, building materials, and renewable energy will serve to benefit the city as it continues to grow and expand in terms of population and economic activity. She added that the country’s growing demand for renewables also makes Davao City an ideal partner for potential sustainability projects.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Deputy Chief of Staff of the City Mayor’s Office lawyer Jonah Presto, welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the activity will “foster mutual growth between the two economies” that are “connected by shared aspirations and potentials”.
The mayor added that the initiative not only opens opportunity to seek new connections but also to “forge people-to-people exchange for business ventures.”
“Infrastructure is a vital component in any growing community and so we are optimistic that today’s seminar will be filled with opportunities to create partnerships and explore new ideas and innovation in the field of construction,” the mayor said. CIO
