The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), officers led by President Edward Du, participated in the first-quarter meeting of the Negros Oriental Regional Investment and Advisory Network (NORIAN). The meeting focused on discussing key initiatives to boost business growth and address economic challenges in the province under the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR).
President Du emphasized the importance of public-private sector collaboration in driving sustainable economic development. The meeting also provided valuable insights into the new Region’s business landscape, helping local industries position themselves for greater success in the coming months. NOCCI’s continued participation underscores its commitment to fostering a dynamic business environment in Negros Island Region.
NOCCI Participates in NORIAN Meeting to Drive Investment in Negros Island Region
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, actively participated in the first-quarter meeting of the Negros Oriental Regional Investment and Advisory Network (NORIAN), signaling strong private sector support for regional economic planning under the newly established Negros Island Region (NIR).
Held in Dumaguete City, the meeting convened key stakeholders from both government and business sectors to address pressing economic challenges and explore investment opportunities that can catalyze development across the island. The gathering marked an important milestone as the region begins to shape its economic identity under the new administrative configuration.
President Edward Du, a longstanding advocate for public-private sector collaboration, delivered remarks highlighting the urgency of building synergy between local industries, government agencies, and investment partners. “The creation of the Negros Island Region presents a unique window to reset and reimagine our growth trajectory,” Du said. “We need a unified agenda that fosters job creation, encourages entrepreneurship, and expands regional competitiveness.”
The NORIAN meeting was designed to gather insights and recommendations from various sectors, focusing on practical strategies to stimulate business confidence, infrastructure improvements, and access to capital. A significant portion of the discussion centered on enabling investment in high-impact sectors such as agri-business, tourism, digital services, and green technologies.
NOCCI’s presence at the meeting underscored its commitment to being a proactive partner in regional economic transformation. As one of the most influential business organizations in Negros Oriental, NOCCI continues to serve as a bridge between the private sector and government, ensuring that policy development is informed by real-world market conditions and industry needs.
Participants of the meeting reviewed updates on regional investment priorities and policy directions to support ease of doing business. Presentations from national and regional agencies offered guidance on how local businesses can align with broader economic plans, while encouraging innovation and inclusive growth. These were complemented by breakout discussions that allowed stakeholders to raise sector-specific concerns and propose actionable solutions.
President Du emphasized that for economic reforms to succeed, they must be backed by grassroots implementation and measurable impact. He noted that the region’s development potential hinges on the ability to mobilize both local resources and external support effectively. “Whether it’s a large-scale investor or a local entrepreneur, what matters most is a stable, predictable, and opportunity-rich environment,” he said.
The meeting also allowed for a closer look at the evolving investment landscape under the NIR structure. While the region is still in its formative stages, stakeholders agreed on the need to build institutional frameworks that can attract long-term investments and generate inclusive growth. Key areas of focus include building inter-provincial infrastructure, streamlining investment processes, and ensuring regulatory transparency.
NOCCI’s contributions during the meeting included proposals to enhance capacity-building programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expand digital infrastructure, and support workforce development initiatives in partnership with local universities. These proposals aim to build a robust economic base that is both resilient and future-ready.
The collaborative tone of the NORIAN meeting reflects a broader shift toward integrated planning and stakeholder engagement in regional development. NOCCI’s role within this framework continues to evolve as it takes on more responsibilities in advocacy, investment promotion, and policy dialogue.
In closing, President Du expressed optimism about the region’s direction and praised the collaborative efforts witnessed during the meeting. “This is the kind of engagement we need to realize the full potential of the Negros Island Region,” he noted. “By listening to one another and working together, we can create a business environment where innovation, inclusivity, and progress thrive.”
Moving forward, NOCCI is set to participate in technical working groups formed during the meeting to operationalize key recommendations and track progress on investment-related initiatives. It will also continue its dialogue with provincial and regional authorities to ensure that business sector priorities are reflected in upcoming plans and programs.
As the Negros Island Region enters a critical phase of strategic planning and institution-building, collaborative platforms like NORIAN—and the active participation of chambers like NOCCI—will be instrumental in shaping an economic future built on shared goals and sustainable development.
