DAVAO CITY � The selection of Davao City as among the Philippines�s most competitive cities for 2005 is a good sign that it is a conducive place for investment, the Department of Trade and Industry has said.

A study conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) identified the metropolitan cities of Davao, Las Pi�as, Makati, Marikina, and Muntinlupa as ideal places for living and doing business.

The AIM, in a statement, said that the study was designed to promote healthy competition among Philippine cities to further motivate local government leaders become economic and development managers apart from being providers of public goods and services.

Federico Macaranas of the AIM Policy Center said the ranking is also aimed at recognizing the outstanding performance of cities, assess their weaknesses and strengths, and encourage decentralization.

Aside from Davao City, Tagum City likewise was recognized as among the most competitive smaller cities in the country.

DTI regional director Merly M. Cruz said that this achievement of the cities of Davao and Tagum would be an advantage in persuading more investors to infuse their capitals here.

�Such citation received by the two cities in the Davao region is one opportunity for us to market the region better. Moreover, once a businessman sees the list of most competitive cities in the country, it would make him more interested and more confident to invest in the areas cited in the said list,� she said.

Cruz is optimistic that both the cities of Davao and Tagum would continue reaping success, considering the presence of vital infrastructures and stable peace and order situation in the said areas. (Philippine Information Agency)