HONOLULU – The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), in partnership with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi (FCCH), will be presenting the Hawaiʻi-Philippines Sister Province Symposium on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.
The goal of the symposium is to strengthen and maximize opportunities provided by the sister relationships between Hawaiʻi and the Philippines. The symposium will include speakers from government, community, and educational, cultural and business sectors from Hawaiʻi and the Philippines.
Governor Matthew Manotoc of Ilocos Norte will be the keynote speaker. Governor Manotoc is the nephew of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the grandson of former President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos.
“The relationship between Hawaiʻi and the Philippines is long and historic. Furthering a strong and vibrant sister relationship between Hawaiʻi and the Philippines ensures that we maintain a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.
“Hawaiʻi is home to over 380,000 residents of Filipino and part-Filipino descent. And most can trace their roots to one of our sister provinces and Ilocos Norte in particular,” said Susana Berardy, president of the FCCH. “So, this event is very timely.”
The symposium will cover topics on workforce development, import-export opportunities, sustainability, energy and infrastructure, and tourism.
For more information and to register for this event, please visit: https://givebutter.com/HPSPS24
About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawaiʻi’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaiʻi economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaiʻi’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation-sector job growth.
About the Business Development and Support Division (BDSD)
The Business Development and Support Division of DBEDT promotes industry development and economic diversification by supporting existing and emerging industries in Hawaiʻi and by attracting new investment and businesses to the state. Learn more at: https://invest.hawaii.gov.
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Media Contacts:
Laci Goshi
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
808-587-9006
lacianne.a.goshi@hawaii.gov
Dennis Ling
Business Development & Support Division Administrator
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
dennis.t.ling@hawaii.gov
