Ilocos Norte pursues stronger relation, eyes new investment with sister-province

The Province of Ilocos Norte pursues stronger relation and eyes new investments with the Province of Shandong, as its delegation met with government officials, leaders of state-owned enterprises, and partner university during the first day of their trade mission in the People’s Republic of China.

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, along with representatives of food and agriculture, tourism and creative industries, and trade and investment promotions sectors arrived in Jinan, Shandong yesterday. They were welcomed by the Deputy Director-General of Shandong Foreign Affairs Office, Mr. Sun Yebao.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) aims to promote cooperation, discuss possible exchange programs and collaborations, present the status of priority areas of different sectors, and conduct discussions on pursuing a doable action plan for cooperation for both provinces.

For more than two (2) decades, Shandong has been a sister-province of Ilocos Norte, and both have established collaborations in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, business, and education, among others, over the years.

PGIN is continuously working to create a more “investment-friendly” environment in the province by ensuring quality infrastructures are built to accommodate business operations, offering strong government support through the amendment of the province’s code to maximize the benefits of all economic activities to all stakeholders. As such, the provincial government hopes to soon welcome companies from Shandong to the province.

Governor Marcos Manotoc led the Ilocos Norte delegation as they visited the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science. They also met with the province’s Vice Governor and foreign affair officials.