BIMP-EAGA member economies strengthened regional partnerships and forged new investment pledges during the 2nd BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference held at the Philippine Embassy Diplomatic Enclave in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
Co-organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the gathering brought together government officials, business leaders, and chamber representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines (BIMP).
In his keynote address, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA, emphasized the halal industry as both an economic game-changer and a bridge for cultural unity.
The conference featured high-level dialogues, business matching sessions, and policy exchanges focused on enhancing halal certification standards, improving logistics connectivity, and unlocking new market access across ASEAN and beyond.
“Halal is more than just a certification—it is a symbol of trust, inclusivity, and quality that connects producers in Mindanao to consumers across the globe,” he said.
With the theme “Empowering Economic Synergy: Vital Role of the Chamber of Commerce in the BIMP-EAGA and Halal Industry Development,” the event underscored the central role of chambers of commerce in expanding market access, enhancing investment linkages, and fostering inclusive growth across borders.
Delegates agreed to strengthen cooperation in priority sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, digitalization, and renewable energy, while also committing to harmonize halal certification standards and promote halal product development and marketing.
Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro of MinDA, who presented Mindanao’s economic profile, reinforced this message by highlighting the region’s growing advantages.
“With close to 27 million people, Mindanao offers both a large domestic market and a young, dynamic workforce. Our exports continue to expand, particularly in agriculture and services, while global indices now recognize Mindanao among the safer destinations for investment and tourism. These gains show that Mindanao is ready and open for bigger partnerships within BIMP-EAGA,” he said.
The conference featured high-level dialogues, business matching sessions, and policy exchanges focused on enhancing halal certification standards, improving logistics connectivity, and unlocking new market access across ASEAN and beyond. PCCI likewise reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for private sector engagement, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration to drive regional competitiveness.
Delegates agreed to strengthen cooperation in priority sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, digitalization, and renewable energy.
The outcomes of the conference directly support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas, anchored on innovation, connectivity, and global competitiveness.
By positioning Mindanao as a strategic halal production and investment hub within BIMP-EAGA, the Marcos administration is advancing its commitment to inclusive regional development and economic transformation.
For Mindanao, these outcomes represent a decisive step toward the vision of Building a Better Mindanao—a region that is more connected, competitive, and resilient.
With its unique geographic location and abundant resources, Mindanao is poised to be at the forefront of the Philippines’ halal and investment initiatives within the BIMP-EAGA.
