SHANGHAI, China — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) showcased the island-region’s rising investment appeal during the “Opportunities in Mindanao: A Roundtable Meeting” held on June 20, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao.
Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro, MinDA’s Deputy Executive Director, led the presentation that drew over a dozen executives and government officials eager to explore business opportunities in the southern Philippines.
The roundtable was organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Shanghai to spotlight Mindanao’s promising sectors, including agri-industry, green infrastructure, and digital innovation.
Montenegro underscored Mindanao’s strong fundamentals, including a youthful and expanding population of more than 26 million, rich mineral and agricultural resources, and 42 special economic zones that align with global sustainability goals. He also emphasized the impact of the newly implemented Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act in creating a more attractive and competitive investment climate.
“With the CREATE MORE Act in place, we now have a stronger foundation to attract value-adding investments into Mindanao. It’s not just about economic growth—it’s about building a better Mindanao where opportunities reach every community and progress becomes inclusive and lasting,” said Montenegro.
He also pointed to Mindanao’s continuing shift from a conflict-affected area into a region of peace and productivity, with growing confidence among international investors.
One of the key participants was the Panhua Group, the developer of a $3.5-billion integrated steel manufacturing facility in Maasim, Sarangani—one of the largest foreign industrial investments in the region. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations within the year, further cementing Mindanao’s role in the country’s industrialization efforts.
The event was held in time with the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations and the 20th year of China’s development cooperation with the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Montenegro highlighted the importance of deepening ties with China in priority areas such as agricultural technology, green development, and digital transformation, all of which are aligned with MinDA’s “Building a Better Mindanao” strategy—a roadmap that aims to position the region as a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive investment hub.
MinDA’s participation in the Shanghai event forms part of its broader international engagement to promote Mindanao’s untapped economic potential and forge partnerships that support long-term peace and prosperity in the region.