BAGUIO CITY — More than 200 government officials, industry leaders, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners from Hawaii and Ilocos Norte gathered in Laoag City on Monday “to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” the Ilocos Norte provincial government said.

In partnership with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) and the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Office, the provincial government hosted the 2nd Philippines-Hawaii Sister Province Business Symposium at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag City.

The symposium sought to strengthen economic partnerships, with FCCH members seeking to establish connections with their sister provinces in the Philippines.

Ilocos Norte Vice-Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos emphasized their commitment to fostering investment and global partnerships.

“Ilocos Norte stands as a dynamic and growing hub in the country, and we are committed to promoting investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth,” she said.

Jade Butay, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations for the State of Hawaii, reaffirmed Hawaii’s dedication to deepening economic and cultural ties with Ilocos Norte, a province with strong historical links to Filipino-Hawaiian migration.

Representatives from sister provinces Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Cebu, and Isabela also participated, engaging in discussions on investment opportunities, trade linkages, and workforce collaboration with Hawaii-based businesses. — Artemio A. Dumlao

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