OROBEST 2011 Expo boost trade and linkages of NorMin

by Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, October 21 (PIA) --- The chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) commended the organizers of the Oro Business Enterprise Services and Trade (OROBEST) 2011 Expo citing their initiative as a good way to promote trade and boost linkages.

Luwalhati R. Antonino, who was the keynote speaker during the opening ceremony of the OROBEST 2011 Expo, said the trade fair is a strategic venue to enhance trade links and promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) products and services.

She said the trade fair also help local producers acquire skills necessary for production and management of business, as well as, assist them in the expansion of their market reach.

Organized by the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber), the OROBEST Expo showcases the best agricultural and tourism products and services in Northern Mindanao.

The four-day trade fair, which is one of the side events of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials and Ministerial Meeting (SOMM), also features product sampling, investment matching, and livelihood learning session.

Antonino said the BIMP-EAGA has adopted agreements that facilitate faster movement of goods, people and services through transport links and harmonized customs processes.

Given the more favorable business climate, local producers are now gaining confidence to invest and build networks with other producers and the international market prompting us to accelerate development at a level that support trade with an enabling mechanisms necessary for sustaining growth and expansion, she further said.

With the increase trade and communication activities that go beyond borders, there is a greater opportunity for SMEs to talk a wider range of investment and contribute to the dynamism of our local economy, she added. (PIA-10)

NDA holds dairy forum in Northern Mindanao

by Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Oct. 21 (PIA) –- The National Dairy Authority (NDA), in Northern Mindanao, in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (OroChamber), the Land O’ Lakes Foundation Phil., Inc., and the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC), conducted a Northern Mindanao Dairy Forum at the SM City Rotunda, here.

James B. So, officer-in-charge of NDA-10, said the dairy forum was aimed at promoting the development of the dairy industry in the country.

He said the country’s dairy situation, including the industry’s concerns and opportunities, as well as the Philippine Dairy Roadmap were discussed by the dairy stakeholders in the region during the forum.

Also, a livelihood learning session on milk products processing techniques for targeted women in the city was also held after the dairy forum.

Both the dairy forum and the livelihood session are components of the Information Campaign and Education (ICE) on the Importance of Milk Project which is aimed at addressing the problems of marketing of dairy products, low milk production, consumption, malnutrition and the low awareness and appreciation of the importance of milk in creating a healthy population.

The forum was conducted as one of the highlights of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines, East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Trade Fair cum OROBEST 2011 Exposition. (PIA-10)

“City of Friendship” showcases top products at Oro Best Expo 2011

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, October 21--Leading food and agri-industrial products from Cagayan de Oro and northern Mindanao areas take center stage as the 5th Oro Best Expo opens here at SM Mall Atrium Wednesday with international dignitaries among the pack of expo visitors.

Officials and delegates from the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) took a noontime break at the start of their 3-day high-level meet to grace the opening of this year’s Oro Best Expo.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino led BIMP-EAGA officials at the 5th Oro Best Expo opening and cited the potential revenues and investment opportunities that could be generated from the event.

Antonino said it is “both timely and strategic” that the expo is held in conjunction with the BIMP-EAGA 20th Senior Officials and 16th Ministerial Meeting, which had drew in over 200 delegates from within the four-country sub-regional grouping.

“To date, the BIMP-EAGA side events such as the trade fairs have become strategic venues to enhance trade links, promote small and medium enterprises products and services and assist local producers in the expansion of market reach,” added Antonino, who is also the Philippines Signing Minister for the BIMP-EAGA.

After the opening program, the BIMP-EAGA delegates were toured around the various Expo booths that featured the local products of Northern Mindanao that include Coco sugar, stoneware products, abaca cloth from Bukidnon, seaweed snacks, herb products, dried and processed fruits, purees and jams.

Apart from the booth exhibits, this year’s Oro Best Expo also slated a Dairy Forum that features information on market value of dairy products, training demonstration on milk processing, and product marketing. The forum is part of a livelihood program series lodged under the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) as a program known as the “Ice on Milk” project.

Antonio further stressed that with the current trends on food, lifestyle products, and services directed towards health-related consciousness, many micro and small enterprises are given the opportunity to re-align their marketing reach towards the mainstream.

She added that “with the increased trade and communication activities that go beyond borders, there is greater opportunity for SMEs to tap a wider range of investments and contribute to the dynamism of Mindanao’s local economy.”

She also cited the role of BIMP-EAGA in increasing investments with the adoption of agreements that facilitate easier movement of goods, people and services through transport links and harmonized rules, regulations and procedures in customs, immigration, quarantine and security or CIQS.

The Oro Best Expo is jointly organized by the Oro Chamber and Promote CDO Foundation. The Expo runs until October 22 (Saturday). (MinDA)