Canadian business chamber opens local chapter in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines yesterday announced the opening of a local chapter in Cebu. Julian Payne, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, met with Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia to discuss the potential of a Cebu Chapter of the Canadian Chamber to help expand commercial relations between Canadian and Cebu-based businesses and investors. They exchanged letters of cooperation to mark the occasion.

"Cebu is a major center for economic growth in the Philippines: establishing a Cebu Chapter attests to our conviction that there is great potential for growth in two-way trade and investment between Canada and Cebu. We were impressed with the enthusiasm of the Governor and the Mayor in welcoming international trade and investment to Cebu as well as their commitment to join with us in enhancing Canada-Cebu business relations," Mr. Payne said.

This is the first chapter the Canadian Chamber has established outside of Metro Manila.

"We have also received enthusiastic support from the Cebu business community and Cebuano firms that have Canada-Philippine business interests," Mr. Payne added.

Canada's Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Christopher Thornley joined the meeting and welcomed the announcement.

"Putting Canadian Chamber resources on the ground is a timely private sector initiative that the Embassy of Canada and its Trade Commissioner Service fully welcome and support; as an investment in the future of this vibrant business society. Initiatives from the Canadian and Philippine private sectors are the drivers of future growth in trade and investment between our two countries. The more initiatives the better," Ambassador Thornley said.

"Canada and the Philippines have a long history of people-to-people ties, shared commitments to democracy and peace, and complementary economic strengths which can greatly benefit from enhanced commercial engagement. We need to exploit the full potential, including the opportunities here in Cebu," he added.

The Canadian Chamber will establish a Cebu Advisory Committee and will open an office in Cebu City with a full time administrative officer to provide support to the Cebu Chapter.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, established in 1989, is a non-profit organization registered with the Philippines Exchange and Securities Commission. Its mission is "to represent, support and promote Canada-Philippines business interests."

It provides information, expert briefings on trade and investment issues and networking events for its members and the public. Its membership includes both Philippine and Canadian corporate and individual members. (FREEMAN)