Doha, 25 Nov 2025

A high-level Philippine trade delegation is currently in Doha, actively courting Qatari investment and highlighting the nation's emergence as a premier economic hub in Southeast Asia. The delegation, comprising approximately 40 leaders from the Philippine business community, represents a significant cross-section of the country's most dynamic sectors. Among the leading personalities included HE Engr. Enunia V. Mangio, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; HE Leo Tereso A. Magno, Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority; HE Romeo M. Montenegro, Assistant Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority; Henry S. Oaminal, Chairperson, Regional Development Council 10 Board of Director; Vince Lorenzo T. Liwanag, Riyadh based Commercial Attache, Philippine Trade and Investment Center, among others.

In an exclusive interview with the Qatar Tribune, Engr. Enunina V. Mangio, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), outlined the mission's ambitious goals. "We have brought with us leaders from various sectors who are genuinely interested in forging substantial collaborations," Engr. Mangio stated. She elaborated that these partnerships could take many forms, including joint ventures, technology transfer, and long-term supply agreements, all with the central objective of attracting Qatari investment to the Philippines.

Confident in the Philippines' position, Engr. Mangio emphasized that the country is rapidly establishing itself as the investment hub of the ASEAN region. "We are confident that we can more or less take care of these companies," she asserted, underscoring the government's commitment to assisting investors at every step, from initial setup to full-scale operation. Moving beyond the traditional strengths of hospitality and tourism, she specifically pointed to burgeoning opportunities in renewable energy, information technology, startups, and FinTech as key areas for Qatari partnership.

This four-day mission to Doha is not an isolated event but part of a concerted global outreach strategy. She said that the delegation has recently concluded visits to Sri Lanka, the USA, Canada, and Malaysia, with a previous stop in Dubai and another already planned in January. "We are really going around, trying to market the Philippines and our own businesses," Engr. Mangio explained, signaling a persistent and dedicated effort to integrate the Philippine economy into global networks.

Echoing the sentiment of opportunity but with a specific regional focus, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority expressed his profound gratitude for the warm reception from Qatari authorities. He highlighted the significance of the high-level participation from both sides, viewing it as a strong foundation for future cooperation.

Secretary Magno dedicated his efforts to reshaping the narrative around Mindanao, the Philippines' southernmost major island. He candidly addressed the region's challenging history, acknowledging that it was "long plagued by a negative image" due to past conflicts. However, he presented a powerful new reality: "In the last four years, almost all our regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities in Mindanao have been declared insurgency-free. Meaning, there is peace that reigns now."

This hard-won peace, he argued, has definitively resolved the age-old debate on the sequence of peace and development. With stability secured, the focus has decisively shifted to scaling up development. "We know that we cannot do it alone. Our government cannot fund it alone," Secretary Magno stated, explaining the urgent need to "market Mindanao" as open for business. He promised investors a "red carpet treatment instead of red tape," with the government's primary role being to assist and protect their investments.

He concluded with a hopeful vision that this visit marks the beginning of a partnership that will bring lasting development and opportunity to the people of Mindanao.