Gwen attends APIC Summit in Hong Kong

Local

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia is in Hong Kong for the Asia Pacific Investors Cooperation (APIC) Summit, which started on Thursday, November 14, at The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

The summit, which marked the first in-person gathering since the Covid-19 pandemic, brought together senior policy leaders, business executives, and investment professionals from over 100 countries.

Garcia is leading a 17-member delegation from Cebu, which includes Provincial Board Members Glenn Anthony Soco, Victoria Corominas-Toribio, Kerrie Keane Shimura, and Carissa Garcia, the governor's daughter.

As the keynote speaker, she took the opportunity to promote Cebu’s investment potential, emphasizing the province's strong economic conditions and the alignment of all factors that make it an attractive destination for global investors.

APIC, known for connecting Asian sovereign wealth funds, government funds, and institutional investors, serves as a platform for educational and business networking. It offers a unique space for investors to explore opportunities and develop partnerships in the region.

During a panel discussion at the summit, Garcia highlighted the success of Cebu’s public-private partnerships, particularly the collaboration with Acciona Energia Global and Freya Renewables.

The partnership focuses on the construction of a 150-megawatt solar power plant in Daanbantayan, with the Province facilitating the project through its power of eminent domain to expedite land acquisition.

Garcia shared how the Provincial Government streamlined the process, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles in just six months, a task that typically takes over a year.

She underscored how these effective collaborations have been vital to the success of the initiative.

The solar power plant is expected to enhance Cebu's energy sustainability and lower electricity costs for local residents. Garcia also announced that the partnership could expand further, with Acciona Energia considering additional solar plants in Toledo City and Dumanjug.

If completed, these plants would increase the total energy output to 450 megawatts, significantly contributing to Cebu’s energy needs.

Through these strategic investments, Governor Garcia continues to position Cebu as a key investment destination, focused on fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities for the people of Cebu.

She remains committed to building a future where sustainable development and investment go hand-in-hand to benefit the province and its residents.(MyTVCebu)