Manila: Delegates began arriving here on Monday for an Asian investment forum featuring European Union (EU) ambassadors and representatives, held in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Trade and Investment Promotion Center.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 35th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) will start Tuesday, while the forum begins Wednesday, with Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno as keynote speaker. Some 300 selected business owners from the city's micro, small, and medium enterprise sector are expected to participate in the forum.

One of the highlights of this year's conference is the promotion of Northern Mindanao's halal industry with the newly organized Cagayan de Oro Halal Council. It will be the sixth time for Cagayan de Oro to host the MinBizCon, underscoring the city's growing role as a business and investment hub in Mindanao.