The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) have launched the first Philippine Leadership Training Programme on Industrial Parks in Mindanao.
Over 70 government officials representing 34 local government units, MinDA, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Economic Zone Authority and the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority will participate in the program until April 19 at Acacia Hotel in Davao City.
The leadership training aims to equip leaders with essential skills and strategies for industrial parks development, operation, and management.
UNIDO director general and managing director Fatou Haidara emphasized their commitment to support economic and industrial development in the Philippines by advancing industrial parks as catalysts of growth and transformation.
“If implemented properly, industrial parks can create ecosystems that benefit people and the environment, beyond serving as mere business and investment attraction models,’’ Haidara said.
The program includes a series of training sessions covering various aspects of industrial parks where UNIDO experts will share insights and expertise on industrial park models, such as eco-industrial parks and agro-food parks.
It will also highlight lectures on investment and green financing, as well as China’s economic breakthrough and the country’s success stories, contributing knowledge and successful experiences to the discussions.
“Economic zones are not merely spaces of production but catalysts for change, engines of economic advancement, and bridges to international cooperation. They hold the potential to propel export promotion, attract Foreign Direct Investments, generate employment opportunities, and foster linkages within the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) community,” MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz said.
Lopoz said there are currently 37 ecozones in Mindanao, with 17 in Davao, 10 in Northern Mindanao, eight in Soccsksargen, and one each in Zamboanga and Caraga.