LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – In a bid to strengthen the partnership between India and Ilocos Norte, a business roadshow forum was held on March 27 at Plaza del Norte, Laoag City.

Indian Ambassador Shambu Kumaran and Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc led the business forum which was initiated by the India Business Forum Association (IBFA) and Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Center (InVest).

Some 100 participants attended the said event including members of IBFA, local officials, and guests from Metro Manila.

This activity aims to introduce different investment opportunities and potential business partnerships to support Ilokano-owned enterprises, which will yield to further development of the province.

“I believe that Ilocos Norte is prime for investments and we have set forth the goal of becoming the commercial hub of Northern Luzon,” said Manotoc.

The forum focused on various sectors namely agriculture, pharmaceutical and healthcare, automobile, information technology and business process outsourcing, renewable energy engineering, accounting, travel and tourism, manufacturing, and creative industry and educational technology.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Kumaran acknowledged the potential of the province for business and trade.

“The businesses of both countries are beginning to look at each other with greater interest. We, in the government and in the embassy, are also very keenly trying to create greater B2B (Business-to-Business) interactions,” said Kumaran.

Also, InVest Office Head Soya Cheng-Bueno continues to promote the investment potential of Ilocos Norte given that it has Ilocos region’s lowest poverty rate of 2.5 percent.

The provincial government also received donations from the Indian embassy such as medicines, horsepower submersible pump, and three-wheeler motor which are beneficial to healthcare and agriculture sector. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)