LAOAG CITY – Several investment potentials for partnership between the Indian government and Ilocos Norte were showcased in a roadshow at the Plaza Del Norte in this city, according to Gov.  Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

Gov. Manotoc and Indian Ambassador Shambu S. Kumaran led the business roadshow forum on March 27 to boost the partnership between India and Ilocos Norte.

The India Business Forum Association (IBFA) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Center (InVest) initiated the roadshow to introduce different investment opportunities and potential business partnerships to support Ilocano-owned enterprises and further develop the economy of the province.

IBFA is a non-stock organization which aims to foster an Indo-Philippine relationship with close coordination with the Indian Embassy in the Philippines.

"I believe that Ilocos Norte is prime for investment and we have set forth the goal of becoming the commercial hub of Northern Luzon," said Gov.  Manotoc.

The event focused on different sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceutical and health care, automobile, information technology and business process outsourcing, renewable energy engineering, accounting, travel and tourism, manufacturing, creative industry, and educational technology.

More than 100 participants attended the roadshow, including members of IBFA, local officials, and guests from Metro Manila.

Ambassador Kumaran mentioned that he is aware of the potential for business and trade in the Northern Philippines, especially in Ilocos Norte.

Under the administration of Gov. Manotoc, the province remains to be an ideal setting for business ventures, noting its strategic location, diverse resources, reliable public utilities, and highly educated population.

According to Soya Cheng-Bueno, department head of the InVest office, Ilocos Norte is a good place to invest in,given the region's lowest poverty rate of  2.5 percent, government support, and incentives through the Provincial Employment Group. It is also business-friendly through the I-Care Desk, and is strategically located.

In a report from the Communications and Media Office (CMO) of the capitol, Ilocos Norte received donations during the forum such as medicines, submersible pump, and three-wheel motor, which is beneficial to health care and agriculture sector.