DAVAO CITY — The strengthening economic ties between the Philippines and Vietnam are poised to create new opportunities for Davao Region's exporters and tourism sector. During Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to the Philippines, the Aboitiz Group met with the Vietnamese leader to discuss deeper collaboration in energy, food security, and infrastructure—sectors where Davao holds significant competitive advantages.
The discussions highlighted the untapped potential in the economic relationship between the two countries. Aboitiz Foods President and CEO Tristan Aboitiz noted the significant room for growth in agriculture and sustainable development. For Davao, a region already exporting durian and other agricultural products to China, the warming ties with Vietnam could open an additional market for its tropical fruits, coconut products, and aquaculture exports.
Air Links Set to Bring Vietnamese Travelers Closer
Aboitiz InfraCapital, which operates the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is expanding direct air links between Cebu and key Vietnamese cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Aboitiz InfraCapital President and CEO Cosette Canilao expressed hope in deepening partnerships with Vietnamese travel enterprises.
For Davao, the increased connectivity in the Visayas creates a ripple effect. Vietnamese tourists arriving in Cebu could easily add Davao to their itineraries, drawn by Mount Apo, the Philippine Eagle Center, and the city's renowned durian and seafood. The Philippines and Vietnam share a growing tourism exchange, and Davao stands to benefit as air links multiply across the archipelago.
Energy Investments Signal Regional Confidence
AboitizPower, which operates the Therma South coal plant in Davao City and the Davao del Sur coal plant expansion, is deepening its international portfolio with a 25 percent stake in a 1,320-megawatt power plant in Vietnam's Khánh Hòa Province. CFO Sandro Aboitiz expressed interest in further investments in Vietnam's power sector, spanning coal, gas, and renewable energy.
This cross-border energy engagement benefits Davao by strengthening the financial and technical capacity of one of its major power producers. A more robust AboitizPower, with diversified assets across Southeast Asia, is better positioned to invest in Mindanao's growing energy needs, including renewable projects and grid stabilization efforts.
