RIYADH, 31 October 2007 — The Integrated Mindanao Economic Forum (IMEF) will hold the 2nd Mindanao Economic Forum under the theme “Mindanao: Island of Natural and Human Resources” at the Philippine Embassy on Nov. 9, organizers said yesterday.
Saleh Ampaso Bucay, IMEF vice president for internal affairs, said the forum hopes to promote investment opportunities in the southern Philippines to Saudis and Filipinos in the Kingdom.
IMEF Secretary-General Amen Panolong said that Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor will deliver the keynote address, while the board chairman, Dr. Omar Mababaya, will talk about “Making Mindanao an Attractive Base for Trade and Investment: Opportunities and Challenges.”
Vice President for External Affairs Elias Mua will introduce the IMEF’s short-term livelihood courses in line with the embassy’s assistance program, followed by a presentation on “Financing the Development of Mindanao and its Rich Resources: A Look into Some Attractive Funding Sources” by Othman Navarro, country manager of the Philippine National Bank in Saudi Arabia.
A panel discussion will also be held with Saudi businessmen on relevant topics of mutual interest in English and Arabic, said Panolong.
The IMEF, a group of professionals mainly from the southern Philippines, has been tapped by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to play a key role in promoting Mindanao and the country’s products in the Kingdom. Bucay said the group has managed to mediate between Saudi companies and a number of Filipino businessmen for a possible business tie-up. Among these are the Abdullah Al-Qahtani Group which sent commercial visas to his Filipino counterparts through the IMEF’s initiative.
During the Nov. 9 event, the IMEF will present plaques of appreciation to deserving Filipinos from Mindanao and Philippine mission officials who have outstanding achievements during their tenure in the Kingdom.
Like last year, Arab News is again the main sponsor of the forthcoming event. Qatar Airways has confirmed its participation as co-sponsor and has agreed to provide round trip plane tickets as prizes to be raffled. Abdullah Al-Qahtani Group, which provided logistic assistance during the last forum, has expressed its willingness to participate as co-sponsor this time, the IMEF said.
Apart from its role of promoting Mindanao as an investment haven, the IMEF also provides training to members and others in leadership, personality development, planning, communication, public speaking, management and technical skills. It likewise provides advisory, linking and coordinating services to business groups, organizations and institutions.
In addition, the forum is a base for dialogue and exchange of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences and interlinking for effective action, by individuals and groups primarily from Mindanao, and secondarily across regional and national borders.