DAVAO — The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. opened the 28th Davao Agri Trade Expo and the first-ever ASEAN Innovation Summit on September 17, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang. The twin events run until September 19, positioning Mindanao as a strategic gateway for agribusiness and regional innovation.
Twin Events for Agriculture and Innovation
The Davao Agri Trade Expo, the longest-running agribusiness exhibition in Mindanao, showcases new technologies, products, and services that advance the region's agriculture sector. The ASEAN Innovation Summit focuses on trending innovations and strengthens Mindanao's business network within the ASEAN region.
DCCCII President Mirasol Tiu said the summit convenes regional leaders and innovators to showcase micro, small, and medium enterprises as engines of inclusive growth. The event expands access to finance, markets, and global branding while driving innovation across priority sectors including health, tourism, agriculture, and smart manufacturing.
Davao-Borneo Growth Corridor Forum
A key highlight is the Davao-Borneo Growth Corridor Forum on September 18, carrying the theme "Forging Partnerships, Shaping Shared Futures." The forum brings together around 400 representatives from government, business, and investment sectors across Mindanao, Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan, and Brunei Darussalam.
The Davao City Investment Promotion Center organized the forum as part of the second year of Davao Global Connect. Technical adviser Matias Regis Jr. said the event aims to gather thought leaders within the BIMP-EAGA region to discuss investment trends, cross-border agreements, and possible collaborations. Over 70 percent of participants represent foreign delegations.
Showcasing Mindanao's Agricultural Strength
The expo highlights major export crops such as bananas, coffee, cacao, and coconuts. Exhibitors from across Mindanao bring products made by farmers, makers, cooperatives, and MSMEs to the fair. The event also features free technical seminars and showcases new farming technologies.
The ASEAN Innovation Summit adopts the theme of MSMEs at the forefront of Industry 5.0. It focuses on elevating small businesses, promoting smart agriculture, and driving digital transformation. Technologies on display include artificial intelligence, robotics, drone technologies, and modern applications.
Regional Collaboration and Investment
Five ASEAN countries are participating in the summit: Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, and Vietnam. The event is organized by DCCCII with support from the Mindanao Development Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Davao City Government.
DCCCII program committee chair John Carlo Tria said the innovations discussed will help Davao City catch up with changes in global economies. Topics include the circular economy, urbanization, real estate, electric vehicles, medical tourism, and building an AI-ready workforce.
A Platform for Growth and Partnerships
The expo and summit serve as venues where participants exchange ideas, build partnerships, and identify investment opportunities. The back-to-back format creates a comprehensive platform for agribusiness and innovation stakeholders to connect and collaborate.
DCCCII has strongly supported the local government's push to make Davao City a strategic gateway for trade and investment across ASEAN. The events align with broader efforts to forge cross-border linkages, particularly within the BIMP-EAGA subregional group.
