BANGKOK, THAILAND—On 14 August 2025, Cotabato Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray met with Philippine Trade and Investment (PTIC) – Bangkok Commercial Counsellor (CC) Emmanuelle “Ella” Burgos to discuss potential investment opportunities that the Province of Cotabato can pursue with partners and businesses in Thailand.

The dialogue focused on attracting investors to Cotabato’s strategic priority areas, such as agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing. CC Burgos also committed to linking Cotabato with Thai investors showing increasing interest in these sectors.

Vice Governor Taray highlighted that the province is ramping up its investment promotion efforts, especially with the establishment of the Cotabato Agro Industrial Park (CAIP), which will serve as hub for companies seeking to set up or expand operations.

“With the help of the Cotabato Province investment promotion team and Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza’s direction, we have already identified areas with high potential to attract investments. For example, we have ecotourism sites, areas with renewable energy sources, and plantations of various fruits that may attract manufacturers in the food processing industry,” said Vice Gov. Taray.

As of this year, Cotabato already secured PHP9.7 billion worth of investment leads across sectors such as renewable energy, poultry, ecotourism, digital connectivity, manufacturing, food processing, and agriculture.

For her part, CC Burgos expressed support and emphasized the opportunities that Cotabato can tap in the Thai market. Among these is the growing demand for fresh coconuts and fruit crops—products that Cotabato is known to abundantly produce. She also recommended that Cotabato’s proposed eco zones be registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) or the Board of Investments (BOI) to make the province more attractive to investors who can benefit from fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

Also present during the meeting were former Kidapawan City Councilor Rosheil Gantuangco-Zoreta, former Midsayap Councilor Clai-Clai Ostique, former Matalam Councilor April Babol, and Office of the Vice Governor OIC Chief-of-Staff Ms. Jayzza D. Carreon.

The meeting reaffirmed Cotabato’s commitment to building stronger international linkages and partnerships to drive inclusive economic growth in the province.