COTABATO CITY – The BARMM Business Council (BBC) gathered civil society organizations, business groups, and academic institutions in a multi-sectoral dialogue on Monday, May 16, to discuss business opportunities in this city.
BBC is a region-wide council composed of Board of Directors from different Provincial Business Chambers of the region, including Cotabato City and Special Geographic Area. It is the primary voice and representative of the business sector in BARMM that provides innovative, excellent services and advocacy in attaining globally competitive and dynamic economy.
The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) facilitated the organization of the BBC in October 2021.
MTIT Director-General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo said the business sector is the “backbone of the economy.”
“They are the ones who pay taxes, can employ our constituents, and regenerate the structure and condition of our economy,” she said.
“We will assure them na hindi namin sila pababayaan. At kung may mga nangingikil, ay maaring makikipag-ugnayan tayo sa lahat ng ahensya na humahawak sa seguridad. Tinatawagan natin ang business sector na i-report agad sa opisina ang mga nakakaranas ng ganun para mahuli natin,” Sinarimbo added.
Meanwhile, BBC Chairperson Atty. Ronald Hallid Torres urged the business sector to take the opportunity to work as one as the BARMM’s economy is growing.
[Read related story: BARMM’s economy rises by 7.5% in 2021, sets record as 2nd fastest-growing region in PH]
“BCC recognized that our business sector is doing very well. To all interested investors, this is the best time for you to come and we will work hard to ensure that we can work together here in Cotabato City,” Atty. Torres said.
“If we’re going to observe, many business sectors are entering the city to invest and we will make sure that they are secured. So far, despite issues of extortion, we have not received any complaints,” he added.
Monday’s event was also attended by various business chambers such as the Metro Chamber of Commerce, Muslim Chamber of Commerce, and Chinese Chamber of Commerce. (Johaira B. Sahidala/BIO)
