Mayor Sara hails Indonesia F&B Expo as boost to PH-Indo relations

DAVAO CITY–Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lauded the holding of the three-day Food and Beverage Expo at Abreeza mall, saying it would further boost the relations between the Philippines and Indonesia.

At the opening of the three-day fair on Friday, Mayor Sara said as members of one Asean community both countries share similarities even with their unique cultural identities.

“With this Expo, I share the excitement of the Dabawenyos who are eager to see, experience, and do business for Davao and Indonesia,” she said.

She encouraged everyone to see the best of Indonesia with the three-day fair which not only promote the products of Indonesia but will also encourage trade relations.

On the other hand, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Datu Hj. Abdul. Khayr D. Alonto underscored the importance of keeping the interaction between the two countries.

Alonto said the IFBE (Indonesia Food and Beverage Expo) 2018 is an ideal platform as it allows our small-holder farmers and entrepreneurs from both countries learn from good practices of each other.

It also allows, he added, for them to discover innovative ways in doing business, and explore partnerships that could lead to better opportunities, he said.

It is for this reason, he said, that government institutions should take a pro-active role in providing conducive and inclusive business conditions.

“We envision a connected and globally competitive Mindanao that is readily open to business as manifested in our flagship programs and advocacies,” he said.

Alonto was hopeful that the IFBE will continue to serve as an inspiration and a reminder for both countries to work together and take advantage of their uniqueness and diversity “to pursue inclusive and sustainable development.”

Indonesian Consul General in Davao, Berlian Napitupulu, also hope the 2nd IFBE exhibitors and trade visitors will take the opportunity to widen businesses network especially in the Mindanao markets.

Napitupulu said 21 Indonesian companies are in Davao for the expo and business matching. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)

Watch the PTV News Mindanao coverage on the 2nd Indonesian Food and Beverages Expo in Davao City.