Presented during a localization conference on the new export plan, Davao Export Pathway focused on eight priority clusters namely: Banana, mango, coconut, seaweed, wood, eco-tourism, mining and information and communications technology (ICT).

A Mindanao-wide plan is expected to be hammered out this week when export leaders from all over Mindanao will hold their export congress.

The localized plan targets the development of 250 new export enterprises in the next five years; expand markets in Asia, Middle East, China, the United States and the European Union; and achieve a 10 percent growth in exports every year.

Marketing was identified as a key area of focus. Intervention activities by support agencies of government and industry groups will include: Trade shows and exhibits, trade missions, establishing virtual trade missions, business introductions, export clinics, export pathway programs, mentoring and financial assistance to exporters.

Strategic government agencies made specific commitments to support the plan.

TESDA has lined up technical training programs for the priority industries while the Philippine Ports Authority in Southern Mindanao pledged the modernization of the Sasa Port in Davao as the center port for the BIMP-EAGA growth area, and the Makar Wharf in General Santos City.

Other government agencies charged with acting on specific issues like the use of banned pesticides in mango and other farm products, the DENR on the logging ban and the ban in the harvest of plantation trees were asked to act on the issues raised by the business sector in the area.