DAVAO CITY (May 16) — The City Government of Davao City is planning to host the Davao-Borneo Economic Corridor Forum (DBECF) during the ASEAN Innovation Summit (AIS) set on September 17–20 at the SMX Convention Center Davao.
The proposed corridor aims to strengthen connectivity, trade, and investment ties among Mindanao, Borneo, and neighboring ASEAN economies. The AIS is expected to serve as a key platform to advance this initiative.
AIS chairperson Maria Lourdes Monteverde said discussions are ongoing with local governments interested in hosting the forum, which is expected to draw 400 to 500 participants.
Monteverde added that the initiative will help Davao strengthen its role in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area and contribute to the Philippines’ participation in Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The summit will highlight opportunities in agriculture, trade, tourism, and digital innovation, with a focus on empowering MSMEs through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones. Delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, and Vietnam are expected to join.
The event is organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., with support from the Mindanao Development Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Davao City Government. It will be held alongside the Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE).
