CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Over 300 delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines (BIMP) gathered in Cagayan de Oro City for the 2025 BIMP-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Strategic Planning Meeting, where they collaborated on initiatives aimed at fostering regional economic growth and strengthening cross-border cooperation.
The annual meeting serves as a vital platform for identifying flagship programs that enhance trade facilitation, transport connectivity, investment promotion, and overall regional cooperation.
Welcoming the delegates, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, through City Administrator Atty. Roy Raagas underscored the city’s commitment to fostering regional integration. “By strengthening collaboration, we can bridge infrastructure gaps, streamline policies, and create an enabling environment for public-private partnerships that drive sustainable and inclusive growth,” Uy said.
Malaysia’s National Secretariat representative Parteeben Subramaniam highlighted the meeting’s role in addressing economic challenges and advancing regional cooperation, expressing optimism that discussions would yield concrete programs benefiting the sub-region.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo, chairperson of the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Council (RDC), emphasized the critical role of cross-border infrastructure and trade in economic development.
“Mindanao’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and strengthen the halal industry are key strategies for regional growth and integration within the larger EAGA community,” she stated.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno expressed his gratitude for the continued efforts the BIMP-EAGA members have been extending in the past years. “The continued growth of the BIMP-EAGA Region does not only rely on one person. This is a collaborative effort of all its members,” he said.
Magno added that after the strategic planning meeting, he hopes to open wider opportunities in terms of economic development, tourism, security, and a lot more for the entire BIMP-EAGA Region.
Key discussions on the first day included the reopening of the Davao-Manado air route, expansion of digital infrastructure, and acceleration of renewable energy projects. Delegates also welcomed the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) continued support in implementing the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 priorities.
Achievements such as the BIMP-EAGA Business Council’s trade efforts and the successful 15th BIMP-EAGA and China Senior Officials’ Meeting were also recognized.
Hosted by the MinDA as the Philippine National Secretariat for BIMP-EAGA, the five-day conference, held February 17-21, 2025 delved into economic policies, infrastructure development, and trade initiatives aimed at solidifying BIMP-EAGA’s role within the ASEAN economic community.
As the sub-region looks beyond 2025, officials underscored the importance of policy coordination, strategic investments, and strengthened regional partnerships to sustain momentum and achieve long-term economic resilience. (MinDA/PIA-10)
