Philippines

(15 Aug 2000) Voice and effects XFA The hostage crisis in the southern Philippines has had a drastic impact on the economy - businesses with foreign partners and clients have been particularly hard hit. The town of Zamboanga, south of Mindanao, has been affected, with foreign clients giving it a wide berth. But some in the city are looking on the bright side, hoping the notoriety brings sales. 00.00-00.26 Zamboanga city is located at the southern tip of the island of Mindanao. Near Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, it's long enjoyed prosperity as a trading centre. The city has a potential market of almost 60 million people. But business prospects aren't looking good. The hostage crisis of more than a hundred days, on the nearby island of Jolo, is affecting sales. Foreign clients and partners have been afraid to visit - fearing abduction themselves. 00.26 Mar Fishing Company is 20 years old. It exports canned tuna overseas. It's proud of its international reputation. But while customers used to visit the factory to discuss business face to face.. now Mar representatives must travel to Manila to see their clients. They say it's costing them opportunities that personal contact used to clinch. 00.50 - 01.00 SOUNDBITE: (English) "It is just like you do a good job every day and nobody would see it to enhance your relationship." SUPER CAPTION: Jude Gayo, Operations Manager, Mar Fishing Company 01.00- 01.17 Zamboanga city started an economic freeport zone three years ago. So far a hundred and-63 million pesos - about four million U-S dollars - has been invested in the project. Despite the hostage crisis, local business leaders are looking on the bright side. 01.17-01.26 SOUNDBITE: (English) "Through this incident we are known throughout the world. So, we can take advantage of this. This could be good for us long-term." SUPER CAPTION: Manuel Dalipe, Chairman, Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone But only time will tell whether the region's future prosperity has been affected for good or ill. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/14741289e589f66675e0dfc9604d2829 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
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