Business leaders, investors, and industry experts gathered on September 18 for the 8th Davao Investment Conference (ICON) at the SMX Convention Center, spotlighting the region’s dynamic economic potential.
Spearheaded by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), the conference was held alongside the 27th Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE), Mindanao’s longest-running agribusiness exhibition.
Under the theme “Beyond Borders: Navigating New Frontiers,” the twin events aimed to showcase emerging industry trends and promote promising business opportunities within and beyond the region.
The Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) participated actively, promoting the city’s strengths in agribusiness—a top investment sector. As a leading export hub for bananas, cacao, and agri-processing, Davao continues to attract significant interest. Alongside agriculture, the city’s Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry was highlighted as a key growth driver, offering investors a competitive edge through skilled talent, lower operational costs, and robust digital infrastructure.
In his speech, Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte thanked the DCCCII for organizing this year’s DATE and ICON, and for bringing together investors and industry leaders.
“Agriculture and business and industry support development remain to be key priorities of the city government. As such there have been collective efforts in strengthening innovative agribusiness practices and developing business approaches, as well as creating new investment opportunities to cope in the dynamic socioeconomic development in Davao City,” he said.
Duterte also expressed optimism that the gathering of investors and key industry players would pave the way for stronger business connections, enhanced trade partnerships, and sustained socioeconomic growth throughout the Davao Region.
The 8th ICON and the 27th DATE will run until September 20. CIO
