NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos presented the highlights of the country’s and Davao Region’s economic performance, as well as, snapshots of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 2023-2028 and Davao Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2023-2028 during the first day of the 7th Davao Investment Conference or Davao ICON.
With a presentation entitled, “A Closer Look at the Davao Economy in the Post-Pandemic Era,” Undersecretary Abad-Santos underscored Davao Region’s strong performance, with an expectation for sustained growth and with investments playing a significant role in driving this expansion.
Undersecretary Abad-Santos said that investments are anticipated to increase in Davao Region given initiatives such as the re-launching of Davao Region as a Tourism and Investment-Ready Destination; prospects to becoming an International Logistics Hub of Southern Philippines with several big-ticket projects being implemented and pipelined; and intensified promotion of the strategic investment priorities (SIPP).
Carrying the theme, “Investments for the Future,” the 3-day Investment Conference conducted on July 17-19, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City brought together about 500 local and international business leaders, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), investors, foreign diplomats, and government officials.
The 7th Davao ICON aims to showcase the Region’s vibrant and inclusive business community, highlighting youth and women entrepreneurs and start-ups. The ICON also provided a platform for participants to showcase their products and a venue for networking with fellow delegates.