Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno met with officials from Yunnan Province, China on Monday and offered them new investment opportunities.

The meeting sought to develop practical business linkages in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics and other sectors where Mindanao and Yunnan have complementary strengths.

In a news release, Magno said the engagement focused on presenting Mindanao’s economic strengths and investment prospects while identifying concrete areas for trade and business cooperation with Yunnan Province.

He highlighted Mindanao’s strategic location, abundant resources, strong agricultural base, and expanding agro-industrial sector as key advantages for investors and international partners.

“With fertile soils, a strategic position facing ASEAN neighbors within BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area) and an expanding agro-industrial sector, Mindanao offers an ideal platform for high-value processing, trade, and sustainable investment,” Magno said.

He cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust for an open and investor-friendly business environment, supported by MinDA’s facilitation efforts, including the Mindanao Development Corridors and initiatives that strengthen linkages among investors, local governments and implementing agencies.

“The President’s push for stronger international economic partnerships is reinforced by MinDA’s BIMP-EAGA engagement, positioning Mindanao as a strategic gateway for trade, investment, and regional cooperation,” Magno added.

Ma Jun, deputy director general of the Department of Commerce of Yunnan, highlighted potential cooperation in agriculture, food processing, flowers and vegetables, energy, and other industries.

“We believe there are opportunities for cooperation in food processing and other industries, including energy, and we look forward to strengthening investment and trade between Yunnan and Mindanao,” Ma said.

MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz underscored the agency’s role in facilitating investments across Mindanao and the BIMP-EAGA sub-region, emphasizing its commitment to connecting investors with opportunities and making it easier for businesses to establish and expand in the region.

“We hope this engagement is only the first of many meetings between MinDA, our Mindanao business sector and Yunnan Province. May this exchange serve as a strong foundation for lasting partnerships, increased trade, and shared prosperity,” she said. (PNA)