DAVAO CITY — Various investment opportunities, including the putting up of a micro hydropower plant in the province of Davao Oriental, were discussed during the visit of Belgium's Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Michel Parys on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 23.
In a statement released by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, it said Parys met with Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang, who represented Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, at the Provincial Capitol of Davao Oriental.
“Why I come to Davao? It’s because I have to learn a lot about the Philippines. Many Belgian companies think that if they come to Manila, trading with the Philippines. I am trying to prove them wrong. Maybe you should not stay in Manila. You have to go to Cebu, Davao,” Parys said in the statement.
“I have to learn what is possible in Davao, in Mindanao. The more information I can give, the more chances that more companies will be interested,” he added.
The provincial government said the Ambassador expressed the interest of Belgian companies in "establishing a complete chocolate-making factory and a cacao fermentation facility in the Philippines."
"This means that the entire chocolate-making process would be done in the country instead of transporting them abroad for processing," it added.
"The Ambassador said he saw the potential of Davao Oriental for this investment opportunity following his visit to some cacao farms in the province," it said.
The provincial government added that Belgian company Turbulent NV plans to put up a micro hydropower plant in the municipality of Cateel.
"The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental is optimistic about the promising investment opportunity and partnership with the Kingdom of Belgium through its Embassy as it would help more locals, particularly farmers, boost their livelihood while also helping boost the local economy," it added.