John Tria
Canada, the Philippines, and boosting the agribusiness space
July 22, 2024 1:00 am
This year we are celebrating 75 years of relations between Canada and the Philippines. These decades reveal discoveries and partnerships. This year also becomes significant because we celebrate the Canadian government’s decision to open its Indo-Pacific Agriculture and agrifood office in Manila last February. Establishing this office shows Canada’s commitment to broadening trade ties with southeast Asia through agribusiness, agri technology, and trade expertise, for which it is well known.
Why the CARAGA region’s economic demands a deeper look
July 14, 2024 8:58 pm
In last week’s column I shared some of my own ideas that can spur manufacturing investments. (https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/7/some-ideas-to-spur-manufacturing-investments). Jumping off that discussion, I would like to focus on The CARAGA Region, or Region 13, that area of Mindanao that covers the Agusan and Surigao provinces, including Dinagat and Siargao islands. A closer look at its economy in 2023 bears striking information that sets it apart from other regional economies in Mindanao, and encourages us to look at how industry and manufacturing can grow in a regional economy.
Some ideas to spur manufacturing investments
July 07, 2024 10:07 pm
We have repeatedly heard the need to spur economic growth through manufacturing. Whether these make soap and toothpaste, as well as cars and other equipment, these manufacturing activities spur economic growth, employ many locals, and give the country a supply of locally-made products.
Establishing a manufacturing investment such as a car manufacturing plant is not the same as setting up a food cart business. Prospective investors in manufacturing likely look at many variables in making an investment decision. Among other things, the major consideration is sustainable profitability. Investors go to where their operations are profitable over the long term, not just for the first five years. Thus, it makes sense to see long-term prospects and opportunities over the next 25 or 50 years.
A look at the economy of the Zamboanga Peninsula
June 30, 2024 11:05 pm
This week I would like to take a look at the economy of the Zamboanga Peninsula or Mindanao’s Region 9. Composed of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, this region includes the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela, Basilan, Pagadian, and Dipolog.
Harnessing investments to grow our local economies
June 23, 2024 10:44 pm
Recent news of green lane investments exceeding the ₱2 trillion mark bodes well for investment promotion efforts in the Philippine economy. In a Manila Bulletin article, the One Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments reported 74 investments reaching ₱2.32 trillion as of June 20, 2024. Of these, 65 are in the renewable energy sector, making more than half of the total investments. (https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/20/green-lane-certified-investments-surpass-p2-trilion-mark) The green lanes under Executive Order No. 18 provide for fast lanes for approval of investments, bringing together many agencies involved in approving investments under one umbrella.