PRBA to forge linkages with Russian biz groups

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine-Russian Business Assembly (PRBA) will soon sign more active partnerships with the different business organizations of the Russian Federation especially from the far eastern side or from the Primosky Region. Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation Armi Lopez Garcia said that in celebration of National Day of Russia today, both countries are strengthening its relationship highlighted by the September visit of President Benigno Aquino III during the APEC Summit in Vladivostok.

Garcia said several Russian-Philippine events transpired in Cebu like the Russian Duma last December 2011 at the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa and the Russian presidential elections last March 2, 2012, at the Movenpick Resort and Spa.

Also late last year, the Philippine-Russian Business Assembly (PRBA) signed a memorandum of agreement with the Russian-Philippine Business Council (RPBC).

“The PRBA will soon sign more active partnerships with the different business organizations all over the Russian Federation especially from the far eastern side or from the Primosky Region,” Garcia said.

On the other hand, Garcia revealed that just last May 18, 2012, Fr. Dionisio Miranda of the University of San Carlos signed the formal acceptance of a donation of books and other educational materials from the Russky Mir Foundation.

“These materials will be used as reference for the Russian language course which will soon be offered at the university,” Garcia said.

“I am happy to note some of the examples of practical collaboration between government agencies and peoples of our countries. The donation of humanitarian goods delivered for the affected during typhoon Sendong and Negros earthquake showed goodwill of the Russian people to the Philippines,” said Russian ambassador to the Philippines Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev.

After citing the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines last year, Ambassador Kudashev noted that Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert F. del Rosario met his Russian counterpart and other Russian officials during a visit in Moscow.

“His meetings and talks highlighted the opportunities and prospects of the bilateral relations between Russia and the Philippines in trade and investments, energy, disaster relief and management,” Ambassador Kudashev said.

Shortly after Russia Day, the Philippines will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Women and the Economy Forum on June 29-30, 2012. The Department of Tourism will participate in the APEC Ministers Meeting on Tourism on July 27, 2012, Garcia said.

According to Garcia, during the APEC Summit this September 2-9, 2012, the Philippines is assisting Russia in manpower services especially to fill necessary vacancies in hotels.

“This cooperation will usher the renewal of the sisterhood ties between Vladivostok and the City of Cebu which was established way back in 1996,” Garcia added.

Record from the DTI revealed that Russia shows a strong potential as a market for finished goods from the Philippines.

Likewise, data from the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion showed that Philippine exports to Russia increased by 15 percent to $39.09 million in 2009 from $33.92 million in 2008. Top Philippine exports to Russia in 2009 were aircraft parts, desiccated coconut, carrageenan, lighters, personal care products, and banana chips.

According to the DTI, there is a steady demand for spare parts with 2.5 million Russians using imported cars. Consumption is also likely to increase for canned products, frozen crabmeat, and a range of processed seafood products including canned, pickled, bottled or smoked items.

Snack foods will also become an increasingly important part of Russia’s food culture, with particular emphasis on value-added products. The demand for more ship vessels in Russia is an opportunity for the thriving Philippine shipbuilding industry that services major shipbuilders like Tsuneishi and Hanjin. (FREEMAN)