Government to pursue economic ties with Muslim nations

Notwithstanding the tension triggered by the US terrorist attacks, President Arroyo has affirmed the government’s intentions to further develop the growing economic ties with Muslim countries in Asia, during a recent visit to Mindanao.

During her visit, the President also inaugurated the P3.4-billion Malitubog-Maridagao irrigation project in Carmen, North Cotabato, where she expressed her continued trust for her only Muslim Cabinet member, Public Works and Highways Secretary Simeon Datumanong.

Attending the 10th Mindanao Business Conference in Cotabato City as guest of honor, the President underscored the country’s growing economic ties with Muslim countries in specific areas of cooperation like banking and finance.

She said Congress may soon pass a law to strengthen the operations of the Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines.

The President called on business and political leaders who attended the conference to support government efforts to maintain peace and order and to push for economic development and social justice in the region.

The President said she has instructed Datumanong to earmark P40 billion for infrastructure development projects in Mindanao.

These include the Compostela-Caraga national highway and the Basilan circumferential and Metro Kutawato road links.