World Islamic Economic Forum March 12-13, 2020 Kota Kinabalu

As Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was invited to be one of the panelists in the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Kota Kinabalu March 12-13, 2020.

I will be making a presentation on the impact of the transfer of Indonesia’s capital to East Kalimantan, Borneo on the economy of the sub-region of BIMP-EAGA or Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area.

During the forum, I will also present the advocacy to strengthen regional economic linkages as an option to over-dependence on the markets of large economies.

The BIMP region for example has a large market in view of a population of about 900-million and still growing.

This market which is just two-hours by air distance from any of the 4 capitals has largely been ignored.

It is time to strengthen this market.

(Photos by Mayette Tudlas)