THE Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo organized a business mission to attract Japanese investment in sustainable tourism in Bohol, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
In a statement Friday, the trade department said Bohol Governor Arthur C. Yap and other provincial officials visited Japan on Jan. 21-23. They met with 40 Japanese companies in the construction, waste management and treatment, hotel and tourism, and light industry sectors.
Mr. Yap said that tourism is the driver of the Bohol economy.
“The province is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, and natural geologic features that set it apart from other islands in the Philippines. The Danajon Bank which is one of only six double-barrier reefs in the world, the Chocolate Hills, and the Tarsier which is one of the smallest primates are the main attractions found in Bohol,” he said.
Mr. Yap worked with PTIC Tokyo to attract Japanese investment in wastewater treatment and sewage and septage treatment, bulk water supply, and power generation.
The province is also looking for investors in retirement and medical facilities, cold storage, tourism and convention facilities, light industry, agriculture and fisheries, and roads and public transportation.
Mr. Yap said that he is negotiating for direct flights between Bohol and Japan, as well as more projects from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the province.
Previous JICA projects in Bohol include the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Bohol Circumferential Road, Bohol Irrigation Project, and the Leyte-Bohol Interconnection Project. — Jenina P. Ibañez
