Mandaue City executive assistant to the Mayor, Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano dished out the city's capability to host several industries boasting surging gross sales of its business establishments, during the recent roundtable discussion with the would-be investors.
Ouano presented to the young Chinese businessmen, along with local businessmen who are members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Commission, Mandaue City's strength as the industrial center of Cebu province.
As of September 2005, the Mandaue economic sector has churned a gross sales of P70 billion, which is higher than last year's P63.2 billion. In 2003, the gross sales were P56.1 billion.
Ouano, who is also the managing director of Jollibee Bogo and Carcar said the northern city keeps up with the demand of a peaceful and solid investment area, thus inviting more investors to do business in the city. The City of Mandaue has the 2nd lowest crime rate next to Siquijor.
"The city boasts of its being an industrial hub of the Philippines as we export 70 percent to 75 percent of the total furniture export of the country making it the furniture capital," Ouano said adding that investors choose Mandaue City as business taxes are lower compared to other cities without sacrificing the basic services to the public.
Consumers are further assured of cheaper commodities and services in Mandaue as the city government does not collect any sales tax, he assured.
He further stressed that Mandaue is seen as an emerging economic tiger in the south with its stable commercial sites.
"About 40 percent of Cebu's export industries are already in Mandaue that currently earns millions in revenues through its low taxation scheme," he cited during the discussion.
The city has also continued to accommodate more business establishments than other cities in the province through out the years. At present, more than 10,000 business establishments are located in Mandaue City, Ouano added.