GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) — The Philippine-India business community has reinforced cross-border cooperation and economic ties with the recent hosting of the 7th India Business Roadshow in this city.
The Embassy of India in Manila, in partnership with the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GSCCCII) and the India Business Forum Philippines Association Inc. (IBF), successfully held the event, bringing together key players in trade and industry from both countries.
“The idea behind the roadshows is to bring about a deeper connection between Indian businesses and businesses in the Philippines at the regional level,” said Harsh Kumar Jain, the ambassador of India to the Philippines.
The roadshow showcased business opportunities and marked a historic celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines.
The event was also marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between GSCCCII and IBF, formalizing their commitment to bilateral trade cooperation.
With a focus on agribusiness, healthcare, information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO), and infrastructure, the roadshow attracted 16 Indian companies and more than 50 local business stakeholders, aiming to bolster cross-border trade and collaboration.
Describing General Santos City as a strategic host for the roadshow, Jain explained that it is due to its strong economic potential and existing Indian investments, particularly in the bioseeds sector, which has contributed to local agriculture and food security since 1992.
The ambassador also expressed confidence in the already increasing bilateral trade and investment flows between the two countries, which he hopes will reach $5 billion within the next five years.
Jain also noted that the relationship between India and the Philippines has spanned centuries and is rooted in historical, cultural, and linguistic connections, which continue to evolve through shared values and development goals.
“We are both vibrant democracies and fast-developing economies. These commonalities help build mutual trust and understanding that underpin a mutually beneficial relationship,” Jain added.
Aside from Jain, the event also gathered key government officials, including General Santos City Representative Loreto B. Acharon and Councilor Richard Atendido, as well as business leaders such as GSCCCII President Miguel Dominguez and IBF President Dileep Tiwari, among others.
Dominguez, in his speech, emphasized the city’s competitiveness, which stems from its infrastructure and the resilience and drive of its people.
“We’ve brought together leaders across key sectors, and we hope these partnerships blossom—not only in numbers, but in the lives they impact,” he shared.
He also urged Indian business leaders to explore Gensan’s export-driven industries and supportive policy environment.
“You’ve come to the most competitive city in the Philippines—where we’re ready to knock out any competition,” Dominguez stated.
The roadshow also featured Indian and Filipino companies engaging in networking sessions and knowledge-sharing activities, setting the stage for new ventures and potential partnerships. (HJPF, PIA SarGen)
