CCCI inks partnership deal with China-ASEAN council

CEBU, Philippines – In its effort to strengthen international trade relations, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) formalized its partnership with the China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held recently.

The MOA was signed during CCCI's trade mission in Beijing, China led by CCCI president Samuel Chioson.

Close relationship, mutual complementary, equality and mutual assistance, and common development are the main principle of the agreement.

"CCCI is fortunate and glad to have a partnership with China-ASEAN Business Council. It encourages networking between CCCI members and CABC's in identifying business and investment projects in China and in the Philippines", Chioson said.

The partnership expects to have mutual support for organizing the promotion seminar, exhibition, mutual business visits and other kinds of economic and trade exchanges as well as assisting members of other side to develop the market and find suitable business partners in China and in the Philippines.

Moreover, CCCI China delegation visited the 2010 World Exposition "Better City, Better Life" in Shanghai.

The group also explored the city of Beijing for possible collaboration, linkage and investment opportunities.

In the last few years, the chamber also hosted international trade missions to Korea, Russia, South Africa and other countries in the last few years.

Meanwhile, the chamber is also looking at holding a trade mission in Turkey, probably, to explore the effective programs of Turkey in attracting huge number of tourists every year.

Turkey is averaging to attract 20 million tourist arrivals every year. "We will find out how Turkey is implementing their tourism programs."

Aside from tourism program, Turkey has also a lot of industries that can be taken advantage by Cebuano businessmen, such as its popularity in supply appliances to the whole of European region, olive oil supply, among others.

Chioson said the chamber has seen the affectivity of pursuing private-sector led international trade missions, as the results of previous trips had been helpful for the Cebuano delegates.

The trip to Africa for instance, had been very effective as businessmen from Cebu who joined the trip were able to establish new contacts and initial business agreements with Cebuano traders.

Chioson who is also an honorary Consul of Portugal said that forging aggressive international trade links is very important for Cebu business players.

Aside from the chamber's initiated international trade missions, it is also closely working with the Cebu Provincial government, in participating government-led international trade missions, Chioson said. (FREEMAN)