Economic summit delegates to arrive in Cebu next week

CEBU, Philippines — Russian delegates from Moscow and Saint Petersburg region are expected to arrive in Cebu next week to join the upcoming International Economic Summit (IES) that aims to further foster discussions on various Cebu-Russia partnerships across multiple sectors.

The IES, that will be hosted by the Cebu provincial government on August 21-23, aims to tackle multi-sectoral affairs, including government, medicine, tourism, business and industry, and economic development.

According to Sugbo News, the Capitol’s official media arm, this summit is one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the Province’s 455th founding anniversary.

In a meeting at the Capitol on Thursday, August 15, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that IES is essential to boost Cebu’s international profile and make way for more investments and collaborations to come.

A medical symposium is one of the highlights of the summit, which will be conducted in collaboration with the Napolkov Cancer Center in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Napolkov Cancer Center is said to be the largest cancer research and treatment center in Russia.

According to Sugbo News, their partnership is set to align with the launching of the new eight-storey Cancer Center at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), which also aims to offer an avenue for advanced discussions on cancer treatment and research.

Garcia, during her visit in Saint Petersburg last June, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dr. Vladimir Mikhailovich Moiseyenko, director of NapolkovCancer Center, for future partnership to develop “scientific, educational and innovative activities in the field of oncology.”

In addition, the IES aims to tackle the opening of direct flights to and from Cebu and Russia, paving the way to further boost tourism, as well as strengthen economic relationships.

The Russian delegates will also get to experience a mini Suroy-Suroy Sugbo so they can visit places in the province.

They will also witness this year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, which will happen on August 25 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Aside from the renewal of Cebu’s sisterhood relations with Saint Peterburg last June, the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry also signed two agreements in the same visit in Russia eyeing for possible collaboration in trade and investments between the parties.

Of the two agreements, MCCI nodded in “Agreement of Cooperation” with Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry which was represented by Vladimir Platonov, and with Saint Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented by its president Vladimir Katenev. - /ATO (FREEMAN)