The Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Michel Parys, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Vice Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain on September 19, 2024, at the City Mayor’s Office, Davao City Hall to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore opportunities for cooperation between Belgium and Davao City, Philippines. The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse Ms. Chiemi Miyahisa, and assisted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) – Southern Mindanao Business Council Chairman and Honorary Consul of Finland for Mindanao Mr. Antonio Peralta, the newly appointed Belgian Honorary Consul for Mindanao Mr. Leonilo Claudio, and Communications & Administrative Manager at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Ms. Rowena Gempesaw.
During the courtesy meeting, Ambassador Parys expressed his delight in witnessing the opening of a Belgian honorary consulate in Davao and Mindanao during his tenure. He conveyed optimism that there will be an increase in the number of Belgian companies doing business in Davao City.
Belgium’s Honorary Consulate for Mindanao opened last Wednesday, September 18, 2024, on the second floor of the Ecoland Medical Center in Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City. After the courtesy meeting, Ambassador Parys visited the DCIPC office for a business briefing on the investment opportunities and local tax incentives the City Government of Davao offers to local and foreign investors. Finally, he delivered a commemorative lecture at the Holy Cross of Davao College and an opening speech during the 26th Davao Agri-trade Expo (DATE) on Friday, September 20, 2024.