DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- A Malaysian trade official said that a direct air connectivity from Malaysia to Davao City would help attract Malaysian investments and tourists to Davao.

“I think there is a need for direct flight between Kuala Lumpur and Davao. This will not just [increase] for tourism but will also help boost business, especially since there is so much business going on between Malaysia and the Philippines. Having a direct flight will definitely help boost trade between the two countries,” Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Commissioner Intan Zalani said.

Zalani was in Davao City, joining a delegation of five Malaysian mid-tier companies engaged in construction, building materials, and renewable energy for a market immersion tour.

She added that they are looking at information and communication technology (ICT), and the halal industry as sectors for expansion.

“We are also looking at ICT and halal because Davao, especially with its big Muslim community, has big opportunities for halal. In fact, the embassy (Malaysia) and MATRADE, are working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to help to grow the halal industry here in the Philippines,” Zalani said.

Having more international air linkage at the Davao International Airport has been pushed by the tourism stakeholders in Davao Region.

Currently, direct flights at the Davao International Airport include a single weekly route from Davao to Doha, Qatar, serviced by Qatar Airways;, thrice-weekly flights from Davao to Singapore by low-cost carrier Scoot; and a twice- weekly Davao-Quanzhou flight by Xiamen Air. (RGA/PIA Davao)