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Press Release
CONSUL GENERAL SHOWCASES U.S. BUSINESS MISSION IN SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano highlighting opportunities for deeper engagement between the PHL
and South Dakota in her Opening Remarks (Chicago PCG photo)
CHICAGO 10 April 2026– The Philippine Consulate General pitched the 2026 U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines during South Dakota Trade Association’s (SD Trade) “Diplomatic Roundtable,” held on 08 April in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The activity also featured a virtual presentation by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, New York (PTIC-New York).
The event, held under SD Trade’s recurring country-focused sessions with foreign diplomats, gathered more than a dozen industry leaders, business executives, and government representatives based in southeastern South Dakota for a discussion on the upcoming business mission scheduled for July 2026.
In her Opening Remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita Diano highlighted recent PHL economic reforms and, citing complementarities between the PHL and SD, underscored opportunities for deeper engagement. During her virtual presentation, Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso emphasized the country’s need to advance innovation and strengthen technology adoption, where U.S. companies could serve as key partners.
The attendees expressed interest in investing in the PHL and inquired about challenges and potential areas for partnership in renewable energy, food security and manufacturing.
Slated for 06-10 July 2026, the U.S. Business Mission will feature the Luzon Economic Corridor (Manila, Clark, and Subic), highlighting it as a key platform to deepen economic ties in celebration of the 80th anniversary of PHL-U.S. relations. U.S. companies interested in joining the mission may apply through PTIC-New York until 30 April 2026 via newyork@dti.gov.ph. END
Trade Commissioner Argayoso virtually presenting the details of the upcoming Business Mission to the PHL
(Chicago PCG photo)
Consul General Diano exchanging tokens with Ms. Kyriel Clark, SD Trade’s Project Manager
(Chicago PCG photo)
Consul General Diano and Consul Almonguera posing with the attendees after the event
(Chicago PCG photo)
Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano highlighting opportunities for deeper engagement between the PHL
and South Dakota in her Opening Remarks (Chicago PCG photo)
CHICAGO 10 April 2026– The Philippine Consulate General pitched the 2026 U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines during South Dakota Trade Association’s (SD Trade) “Diplomatic Roundtable,” held on 08 April in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The activity also featured a virtual presentation by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, New York (PTIC-New York).
The event, held under SD Trade’s recurring country-focused sessions with foreign diplomats, gathered more than a dozen industry leaders, business executives, and government representatives based in southeastern South Dakota for a discussion on the upcoming business mission scheduled for July 2026.
In her Opening Remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita Diano highlighted recent PHL economic reforms and, citing complementarities between the PHL and SD, underscored opportunities for deeper engagement. During her virtual presentation, Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso emphasized the country’s need to advance innovation and strengthen technology adoption, where U.S. companies could serve as key partners.
The attendees expressed interest in investing in the PHL and inquired about challenges and potential areas for partnership in renewable energy, food security and manufacturing.
Slated for 06-10 July 2026, the U.S. Business Mission will feature the Luzon Economic Corridor (Manila, Clark, and Subic), highlighting it as a key platform to deepen economic ties in celebration of the 80th anniversary of PHL-U.S. relations. U.S. companies interested in joining the mission may apply through PTIC-New York until 30 April 2026 via newyork@dti.gov.ph. END
Trade Commissioner Argayoso virtually presenting the details of the upcoming Business Mission to the PHL
(Chicago PCG photo)
Consul General Diano exchanging tokens with Ms. Kyriel Clark, SD Trade’s Project Manager
(Chicago PCG photo)
Consul General Diano and Consul Almonguera posing with the attendees after the event
(Chicago PCG photo)