A Saudi Arabian company plans to invest in Southwestern Mindanao in the agriculture sector, regional dailies reported, quoting Department of Agriculture regional director Amalia Datukan. Datukan said the East Asia Development and Agricultural Investment Co. is eyeing a joint agriculture venture in the area. The company's chief executive officer, Maher Kheder, visited the region two weeks ago to scout 500 hectares of agricultural lands that would be planted to basmati and jasmine rice varieties, high-value tropical fruits and vegetables. "The visit of possible investors is a good sign of growth and development of the agriculture sector in the region," Datukan said in a statement. Southwestern Mindanao or Region 12, covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Kheder toured the agricultural province of South Cotabato, home of giant fruit producer Dole Philippines, Inc., and also visited a corn post-harvest processing and trading center in Malungon, Sarangani.
