Thirty-three Malaysian companies are looking at Mindanao as location to grow their businesses by partnering with local companies.
Abu Bakar Yusof, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade) senior director, said the two-day trade mission conducted recently in Davao City had 16 engagements with local counterparts for possible partnership.
“It is very clear that Davao (City) now is also promoting a lot of (investment) sectors; these sectors are also relevant to Malaysian companies here,“ said Yusof.
The Matrade-organized forum also attracted 100 local firms, some of them from areas outside of Mindanao.
Siti Azlina Mohd Ali Hanafiah, Matrade Manila trade commissioner, said the forum became the venue for Malaysian companies to introduce their innovative products that would help local companies.
“We would like to bring more innovate products from Malaysia,” she said, adding that the Malaysian business sector has been shifting itself to using new innovative solutions that would help local companies improve their productivity.
Yusof said six of those attending the event are in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, to improve their productivity.
Malaysian ICT companies are looking at how to collaborate with the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in enhancing their operations.
Azlina said the Malaysian ICT companies have started discussions with the local BPO industry on how they can complement each other.
Yusof said some Malaysian investors are also looking at sourcing their raw materials from the city so they can add value to, and sell these products, in the world market.
Some companies, he added, may even opt to put up their processing plants if they think sustaining their operations locally will be achievable.
