October 21, 2024, Manila — The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has officially signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with key partners and investors under the European Union (EU)-funded BAEP CRESCENT Project. The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in promoting agribusiness growth and investment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Key government agencies entering agreements with ECCP include the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and the Department of Trade and Industry – Rural Agri-industrial Partnerships for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth project. Other agencies and government programs that signed agreements include the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

In his opening remarks, ECCP President Paulo Duarte emphasized that strong commitments from government and private sector stakeholders have been instrumental in the project’s success. He underscored the need to build on these partnerships and establish a robust network to support BARMM’s sustained economic development.

“The partnerships we have formalized today through these Memoranda of Understanding signify more than just collaboration; they mark critical milestones in our collective efforts to uplift BARMM’s agriculture sector and unlock its full potential. Your commitment plays a pivotal role in advancing our goal of inclusive development,” said Duarte.

The new Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines, H.E. Massimo Santoro was the keynote speaker during the event. He highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development in BARMM through the EU funded Bangsamoro Agri Enterprise Program (BAEP). ECCP is implementing the CRESCENT Project which is the acronym for “Creating Responsible Sustainable and Competitive ENTerprises in the BARMM agribusiness sector” with a 135 million Euro financial grant from the EU.

“This event marks the culmination of continuous efforts, engagements, and the shared commitment of the European Union to support sustainable peace and advance development in BARMM,” said Ambassador Santoro.

“We need the national and regional administration, local authorities, and the private sector to play a crucial role in finding sustainable, locally owned solutions to some of the major challenges BARMM is facing,” he added.

The BAEP CRESCENT Project, which commenced in November 2022 and will run until November 2026, aims to drive agribusiness development in the BARMM region by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and enhancing their readiness for both local and international investment and export opportunities. The project is also facilitating the participation of private sector investors in the agri-fisheries development of the BARMM region.

The project also involves key partners from BARMM’s Office of the Chief Minister, the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), whose leaders expressed their gratitude for the EU’s continued support for regional development and for ECCP’s active promotion of BARMM as an emerging business destination.

MTIT Minister, Hon. Abuamri A. Taddik, in his message of support, emphasized that collaboration between business leaders, investors, and key partners fosters innovation, promotes environmentally sustainable practices, and creates meaningful livelihood opportunities for the Bangsamoro people.

“The BAEP-CRESCENT project is a shining example of how we can unite and transform the Bangsamoro region into a hub for agribusiness excellence, anchored in inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience,” said Minister Taddik.

Chief-AMAD of MAFAR-BARMM, Datu Hamsur Zaid, also expressed his appreciation for the European Union’s steadfast partnership in enhancing the competitiveness of agri-fisheries products, as well as broadening stakeholders’ access and participation in value-chain development. These initiatives increase the region’s resilience to vulnerabilities and shocks, as well as allow for more inclusive growth in the region.

The MOU signing highlighted several key outcomes aimed at advancing the agribusiness sector in BARMM. Strengthened collaboration between BARMM government agencies and the private sector was established, with the shared goal of promoting agribusiness as a driver of economic growth in the region. The partnership also includes the creation of a strategic roadmap to help BARMM MSMEs access global markets and enhance their investment-readiness.

Additionally, the event underscored expanded efforts to foster a cohesive and inclusive business environment, aligned with broader peace and development objectives.

Mr. Tony Peralta, Chairman of the ECCP Southern Mindanao Business Council (SMBC) introduced the investors and business partners who are entering BARMM to invest in agribusiness and infrastructure. Among the investors are Kenram Palmoil Industries, Kennemer, Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Corporation, Aboitiz Power, Unifruiti, Marine Algae Philippines Inc., Promate, and WCTI. He emphasized that support will be given by the Development Bank of the Philippines, Al Amanah Islamic Bank, Small Business Corporation, and Southern Philippines Development Authority, among others.

Held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on October 21, 2024, the event signifies the ongoing efforts to foster peace, rural development, and agribusiness growth in the region, aligned with the EU’s commitment to promoting sustainable development in Mindanao.

Source: https://baepcrescent.ph/eccp-signs-mou-with-govt-partners-and-investors-to-boost-agribusiness-in-barmm-through-the-eu-baep-crescent-project/.