Cebu trade mission team off to forge African links

Twenty-five Cebuano businessmen are set to touch base with the South African market for a 9-day trade mission campaign organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

Led by active business leader Carmel de Pio-Salvador, the group will explore different business opportunities, and trade links to South African shores, specifically Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa.

Salvador said South African businessmen had initially expressed interest in Cebu's furniture products, and processed dried fruits.

Justin Uy, president of Profood International Corporation, maker and exporter of Dried fruits, aseptic fruit purees, jams, jellies, RTD juices, is one of the delegates to the trade mission. Uy hopes to find importers or distributors in South Africa.

According to Salvador, Cebu could take full advantage to explore opportunities in South Africa's established mining industry, as the Philippines is opening its arms to invite foreign investments for mining projects.

South African wines are also one of the best in the world. Cebuano entrepreneurs, businessmen could also take a look of this opportunity, she stressed.

The mission is aimed at starting linkages, expand business network with businessmen in South Africa and promote mutual investment opportunities that will benefit both countries.

Aside from food, different industry players in Cebu are spending their own money to start up linkages with South African market, these include, owners and top executives of different companies such as; University of Southern Philippines Foundation, Northern Transcription Works Inc., Muntuerto Management and Development Corp., Signal Trading Corp, and Spa of Cebu, Dynasty Management and Development Corporation, Coast Pacific Mfg. Corp., among others.

The group will leave tomorrow for South Africa, and will end the trade mission on September 27. Through the South Africa Business Council serving as a venue for the regular exchange of information and ideas, the mission is expected to jumpstart economic ties between CCCI and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry & the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be created and enforced.