Iloilo-Guimaras investment forum set

MANILA, Philippines - The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILEDF) is hosting the Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum on Sept. 4. 2009 at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila.  The forum will present investment opportunities and prospects in the areas of information technology and communication, tourism and agribusiness in Iloilo City, and in the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras.

The half-day forum opens with a commercial exhibit at 8 a.m., and the keynote address will be made by Ramon del Rosario Jr., new chairman of the University of Iloilo, and president of PHINMA which just bought into the university, demonstrating in concrete terms its belief in investing in education in Iloilo.

Other speakers who have confirmed their participation are Oscar R. Sanez, president, Business Processing Association of the Philippines; Narzalina Z. Lim, former Secretary of Tourism, now president of Asia-Pacific Projects, Inc. Tourism and Hospitality Consultants; and, Jesus N. Alcordo, president of Global Power Business Corp., which is presently building a coal-fired power plant in Iloilo, expected to be in place by 2010, addressing the city’s unstable power supply and its high cost.

Aurelio R. Montinola III, president and CEO of Bank of the Philippine Islands, will deliver the luncheon address.

The twin destinations of Iloilo and Guimaras make for an attractive investment proposition because of their development-oriented and business-friendly local governments, backed by a young and highly-educated population, a strong OFW sector, air, shipping and telecoms infrastructure already in place, a coal-fired power plant to solve their power shortage, and DPWH’s flood control project which will be completed next year. To top it all, the good mix of cultural and natural attractions makes Iloilo and Guimaras the tourists’ delight, further highlighting their preparedness for socioeconomic growth.

More information on the forum may be obtained from (tel.) 033-3350333 or (telefax) 033-3378341.