By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - If the city is to attract more local and foreign investors to do business here, there is a need for it to build a good image.
Newly installed City Investment and Promotions Officer Marie Angelique Go said during Monday’s (May 12) regular press conference at the City Hall that the city has a huge potential in business, but it has to show investors that the business climate here is favorable, which would not be difficult to do.
“Let us prove na bueno man negocio na Zamboanga (it’s good to do business in Zamboanga),” said Go.
“It is easy to start a business in Zamboanga,” she furthered. “It’s easy and fast to secure a business permit, and we offer tax incentives. We are offering a business-competitive scenario.”
Go explained that in order for Zamboanga to become more business-friendly, the interests of both local and foreign investors must be developed.
“We will encourage business expansions in the new growth areas, particularly those identified in the master development plan,” she said.
“Zamboanga City has a more convenient way of life,” Go explained, and that is why it would be easy for investors to help build more business opportunities here.
Part of Go’s priorities is to establish an investor-assistance unit at the Sunken Garden where they will do business-matching, local product showcasing, and conducting feasibility studies to help potential investors.
The Investment and Promotions Office will act as liaison between other agencies to be able to encourage a wide spectrum of investors.
Meanwhile, Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar said Go, with ZamboEcozone Chairman Christopher Arnuco has already planned for a special summit for executives of 18 different Economic Zone and Freeports to be held here in July. This summit would serve as an eye-opener to the investors from other parts of the country.
Go, new to government service was previously connected with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a research specialist.
She holds an economic degree from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
