DAVAO CITY — Corporate members of the China Bicycle Association are looking at setting up a manufacturing plant for bicycles, electric motorcycles, and scooters within the Davao Region in order to penetrate the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) market.
The prospective investors are gathering “market data and the pulse” of the market in Mindanao and BIMP-EAGA before deciding on the venture, according to Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) President Arturo M. Milan.
He said 20 Chinese businessmen from Beijing will also be coming to Davao in August to meet local businessmen in time for the DCCCII’s general membership meeting.
“They are also considering Davao City as a gateway and they look at it as a launching pad to enter the BIMP countries,” Mr. Milan told the media.
He added that according to one Chinese businessman who has been doing market research, “As far as market data, the market of motorcycles is beyond question. According to the Chinese, they are looking strongly at Davao as the center and they can access the market of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.”
Mr. Milan noted Japanese motorcycle brands such Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki dominate the Davao market.
“(B)ut slowly Chinese motorcycles are picking up in the market because of the way that they are selling at P500 (downpayment),” he said
The potential motorcycle manufacturing plant will likely be located at the Floirendo-owned Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) in Panabo City, he added. — Maya M. Padillo
