CanCham-Cebu reiterates support to 6 priority areas

CEBU, Philippines - The newly formed Canadian Chamber of commerce-Cebu Chapter (CanCham-Cebu) reiterated its commitment to focus on the six priority areas on which it pro-actively concentrates its efforts on—food, agri-business, labor and migration, natural resources, mining, financial and banking sectors.

Because of this CanCham-Cebu has started to conduct several briefing on Canada-Philippines mutual business interest, specifically for its member companies.

Led by CanCham president Julian Payne, the chamber also held series of briefings in Cebu covering updates and issues on Labor and Employment, Bureau of Customs duties and taxes, including BIR taxation.

The CanCham-Cebu is the first chapter outside of Metro Manila, it has 60 founding members and industries.

On enhancing trade relations, the Chamber continued to make representations this year

relating to the new Department of Agriculture’s Department Order that had adverse impact on frozen pork imports from Canada.

Together with the Canadian Embassy in Manila, the Chamber co-organized the Canada Pork event last March 29, 2011. In 2010, Canadian merchandise exports to the Philippines were CAD $683.7 million, while Canadian imports from the Philippines were valued at CAD $889.0 million.

According to Payne, a notable development in the Canada-Philippines relationship is the continuing increase of Filipino immigrants to Canada. In 2010, the Philippines was the largest source country for immigrants to Canada.

Records show that nearly 500,000 people of the Philippine origin now residing and working in Canada.

This recognition by Filipinos of Canada as an attractive new home and by Canada of Filipinos as a positive addition to Canada’s multicultural society has long-term implications for potential business and other links between the two countries.

Meanwhile, CanCham-Cebu announced that the latest addition to Canadian food import in Cebu is the “Pacific Kiss,” a top quality British Columbia (BC) oyster. It is a delicious and nutritious option that has been grown at an environmentally sustainable farm by a registered member of The British Columbia Shellfish Association.

Making oysters a part of one’s diet makes sense. Farmed oysters are an excellent source of high quality protein and have more Omega-3 fatty acids than chicken, pork or beef. They are also an excellent source of zinc, a proven immunity booster.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, most people only get about one half of the recommended daily intake for zinc and just one oyster provides close to your entire daily requirement.

In Cebu, these oysters are made available through JEDCO, a Filipino-owned company importing fresh chilled meat from North America, Australia and Europe since 1990. JEDCO is a founding member of CanCham Cebu Chapter. —(FREEMAN)