CEBU, Philippines - Members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) are set to conquer two more countries in its bid to strengthen trade relations and expand their networking and market coverage.
CCCI president Samuel Chioson announced that after its trade mission to Israel, the group will explore India and China within this year.
The plan of visiting New Zealand and Australia may be pursued early next year due to time constraints.
In India, Chioson said Cebu-based businessmen will be able to find business opportunities specifically in the country’s strong Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, pharmaceutical, textile, as well as tourism.
With India’s over a billion population, Cebu will have to take advantage of this market for tourism purposes, as more Indians are now considering taking vacations in other countries like the Philippines.
In China, he said the Cebu-based traders will be able to take advantage of huge opportunities in partnering with Chinese traders.
Earlier Raymund Yip, assistant executive director for Hong Kong Trade Development Council urged Cebu businessmen to grab the gigantic opportunity that China is offering in terms of business.
Yip, said Cebu as an acknowledged emerging destination for BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) could be an important tool to attract Chinese traders to consider Cebu as an alternative investment destination, and that Cebuano businessmen should start to reach out the Chinese market, not only in China, but also in Hong Kong.
China, which is now the world’s powerhouse in political and economic strength should be capitalized as more outsourcing jobs from China, can be done in Cebu.
“You might think that you are number one, but people in the rest of the world, do not know,” Yip said. Thus, there is a need make noise and hype Cebu’s advantage specifically in outsourcing business.
“In these difficult times we should be doing more. The world needs Asia. We are the best supplier in this time of crisis. Consumers in the world are looking for cheaper and more competitive locations,” Yip said.
One of the priority thrusts under Chioson’s leadership in the Chamber is to reach out the international market, promoting Cebu especially in tourism, and ICT advantages.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, CCCI members will also be able to have a business opportunity emersion in New Zealand as the country offers good prospects for dairy distribution in the Philippines, as well as agriculture and tourism.
This coming September 15 CCCI members to be led by Chioson will be exploring Israel, in a nine-day trade mission.
During this mission from September 5-13, CCCI’s delegation plans to meet and interact with business leaders, key government officials, trustees, officers and members of the Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Israel Export Institute, undertake One-on-One Business Matching, and go on visits to different companies of interest to the delegates.