Cotabato explores investment partnerships with Thailand to boost agro-industrial growth
Cotabato Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray met with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Bangkok Commercial Counsellor Emmanuelle “Ella” Burgos on August 14, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss potential investment partnerships that could drive economic growth in the province.
The talks centered on attracting investors to Cotabato’s priority sectors, including agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing. Burgos expressed support by pledging to connect Cotabato with Thai investors who have growing interest in these industries.
Cotabato pushes agro-industrial and renewable energy projects
Vice Governor Taray highlighted the establishment of the Cotabato Agro Industrial Park (CAIP), envisioned as a hub for companies seeking to set up or expand operations in the province. She noted that Cotabato offers strong potential in ecotourism, renewable energy sources, and fruit plantations suitable for food processing ventures.
As of 2025, Cotabato has already secured PHP 9.7 billion in investment leads spanning renewable energy, poultry, ecotourism, digital connectivity, manufacturing, food processing, and agriculture. This reflects the province’s strengthened investment promotion drive under the leadership of Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza.
Strengthening Thailand-Cotabato business ties
Counsellor Burgos underscored Thailand’s growing demand for fresh coconuts and fruit crops, commodities Cotabato is known for producing in abundance. She also encouraged Cotabato to register its proposed eco zones with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) or the Board of Investments (BOI) to make them more attractive through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
Also present at the meeting were former local councilors Clai-Clai Ostique, April Babol, and Rosheil Gantuangco-Zoreta, along with the Vice Governor’s OIC Chief-of-Staff, Ms. Jayzza D. Carreon.
The dialogue reaffirmed Cotabato’s commitment to forging international linkages, aiming to position the province as a rising investment destination in the Philippines.
