Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc on Wednesday expressed optimism for the province’s economic prospects after an investment conference with Thai businessmen.

In a briefing here Wednesday, Manotoc said the business delegation, led by Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat, cited the local government’s bid for ease of doing business as a plus factor for future investments.

“It’s quite positive as our Thailand ambassador to the Philippines sent out seven Thai companies to explore Ilocos Norte,” he said, referring to the event held in Manila last Aug. 22.

The Thai delegation intends to place funds in key sectors such as food and agriculture, tourism, information technology, business process management, and renewable energy.

Manotoc said investors can directly go to the I-Care Desk at the provincial capitol for their concerns since it is the centralized application and requirement evaluation desk that helps with investor registration and permit and licensing acquisition to expedite the processing of necessary documents.

By streamlining the current systems and procedures of government services as well as improved infrastructure and strong government support, the governor hopes to attract big-time investors in the province, particularly on the proposed operation of a large-scale casino at the Fort Ilocandia Resort and the development of the Paoay golf course.

The province is also actively promoting public-private partnerships with flexible terms.

To boost the agriculture sector, the province recently inaugurated a cold storage facility in Sarrat town that can store up to 100 metric tons of tomatoes.

A trading post is also being constructed in the city of Batac, which is expected to become operational this year. The pioneering trading hub in the province aims to consolidate farmers’ produce and connect them to direct buyers. (PNA)