Davao business urged: explore trading ventures in Belgium

Davao City entrepreneurs can take advantage of the various economic opportunities in Belgium particularly when it comes to the exports. While 80% of the trading activities of Belgium are done with the European Countries it however seeks the expansion of its trading opportunities with other countries like the Philippines.

“Belgium is a very rich country but it has very few natural resources making importation a substantial part of their economy,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said. Belgium is considered by the United States as its top 12 largest export market and if Davao can only get a fraction of this market then our exporters would have a very feasible market.

Zozobrado welcomed the Belgian Business Council Mission to Davao City headed by Ambassador Gregoire Vardakis last May 26.

“Davao has always envisioned an economy that will create jobs and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the city and its residents,” Zozobrado said. She told Ambassador Vardakis and the other delegation members including Belgian Filipino Business Club officials and South-East Asia Puratos president Bernard Popilmont that the city is interested in seeking partnerships and expand commercial opportunities between Davao and Belgium.

Zozobrado said the Belgian Council Mission visited the city to establish contacts with the business community in Davao. The delegation, she said, wanted to explore possible business opportunities in the city.

Belgium imports food products, clothing and accessories and textiles and these are some of the areas that can be explored by Davao’s business sector. Its other imports are chemicals, petroleum, rough diamonds and machinery. There is also a great possibility that Belgium might be interested in the city’s Business Process Outsourcing industry.