BUSINESS PROSPECTS IN ILOCOS NORTE HIGHLIGHTED

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 14 March 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General hosted a business and investment dialogue last March 12 to provide prospective investors with a better appreciation of the economic opportunities in Ilocos Norte.
Over 30 participants from various sectors such as food, business process outsourcing, healthcare, real estate, finance, transportation, and construction, attended the activity, which took advantage of Ilocos Norte Governor Manotoc’s visit to Honolulu during the provincial government’s Tourism, Trade and Cultural Roadshow. 
 
In his remarks, Consul General Emil Fernandez noted the timeliness of the briefing, following the successful conduct of the Trade Mission of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce to Hawaii last February, which included an audience with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Malacanang.   The activity also builds on the Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK) session on investment prospects in Ilocos Norte conducted by Los Angeles-based Trade Attaché Mr. Eric Elnar at the Consulate last year. 
In his message, Governor Manotoc announced that “Ilocos Norte is open for business” and invited the business community in Hawaii to invest sustainably, capacitate, and in the process, help build communities in Ilocos Norte. He cited the positive factors to consider investing in the province, including its stable peace and order situation, low poverty rate, highly literate workforce and the political unity in the solid North. 

Members of the governor’s economic team included Ms. Rona Leigh Bueno, Trade and Investment Promotions Head, Mr. Xavier Ruiz, Tourism Head, and Atty. Juan Alfonso Augustus Jose, Chief of Staff of the Governor, who delivered presentations on the trade, investment, tourism and agricultural potentials in the province.  Immediately following the presentations, an open forum and networking session ensued.

Governor Matthew Manotoc enumerates the reasons for considering Ilocos Norte as an ideal investment destination.

 Governor Manotoc and Consul General Fernandez (front row, second and third from left) with the participants of the Business and Investment Dialogue.