DAVAO CITY — A high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands visited Davao City this week to study the Philippines' acclaimed Special Economic Zone framework, signaling growing international confidence in the city's role as a model for investment-driven development. The strategic mission marks a pivotal step in the Pacific nation's push to establish its own SEZ Authority.
A Benchmark for Economic Transformation
The 16-member delegation, jointly led by Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and Permanent Secretary Stanley Waleanisia of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, received a comprehensive briefing from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Davao City was specifically chosen for its proven track record in operating successful economic zones.
The visiting officials toured several industrial parks and PEZA-registered facilities across the city, gaining firsthand exposure to investment facilitation processes, infrastructure planning methodologies, and regulatory systems that have attracted billions in foreign direct investment to the region.
Learning from a Proven Model
Central to the mission was understanding how Special Economic Zones stimulate industrial growth, generate employment, and promote exports, lessons that will directly inform the implementation of the Solomon Islands' own SEZ Act 2025.
During a Luncheon Investment and Tourism Forum at Seda Abreeza Hotel, DCIPC's Christian Cambaya presented Davao's strategic advantages as Mindanao's premier investment hub. The forum highlighted key sectors open for partnership, including agribusiness, light manufacturing, property development, education, technology, eco-industry, and tourism.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Acting City Mayor Rodrigo S. Duterte II, where both parties reinforced bilateral relations and explored concrete opportunities for future collaboration between Davao City and the Solomon Islands.
Davao's Rising Global Stature
The visit underscores Davao City's emerging reputation as a gateway for trade and investment. PEZA has consistently identified the Davao Region as a springboard for greater economic activity, with 19 ecozones already hosting 55 locator companies that employ more than 50,000 Filipinos.
The city's recently expanded Investment Incentive Code, which offers graduated tax exemptions and streamlined permit processing for new enterprises, further strengthens its appeal to international investors seeking stable and business-friendly environments.
A Partnership for Shared Prosperity
Organized in coordination with the Mindanao-Japan Science and Technology Platform (MJ-STeP), the engagement reflects Davao City's continuing efforts to build strong international partnerships and position itself as a competitive destination for global investors.
For the Solomon Islands, the insights gained will support the establishment of the Solomon Islands Special Economic Zones Authority (SISEZA) and the nation's broader goal of attracting sustainable foreign direct investment to create employment opportunities for its people. The mission stands as a testament to how Davao's economic success story is now inspiring nations across the Pacific.
