Cebu bizmen explore trade opportunities with ASEAN

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano businessmen explored several potential partnership deals with ASEAN and Chinese traders following its participation of the recently concluded China-ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, China.

"We had initial talks and meeting done with Nanning Federation of Industry and Commerce and Industry and Nanning General Chamber of Commerce. We've invited them to come to Cebu as well," said CCCI president Melanie Ng yesterday.

According to Ng the 34-men delegation from Cebu was able to link with Chinese businesses, as well as others from ASEAN countries.

"We were also able to meet Guangxi ASEAN Economic and Trade Promotion Association Electronic Commerce Industry Federation," Ng added.

According to Ng, foreign businesses were more interested into construction materials, solid waste and renewable energy, real estate, and manufacturing.

The CA-EXPO held last September 12 to 15, 2017, Ng said opened the eyes of Cebuano traders to see the bigger picture of opportunities for business in China and the rest of ASEAN region.

The CA-EXPO according to Ng was one of the largest trade missions that the Chamber has mounted in the recent years.

"Largely due to the hard work of CCCI Trade Mission Chair Felix Taguiam and Guangxi Province Economic Office Representative based in Cebu, Tony Tan, we were able to attend CAEXPO or the China ASEAN Expo which is on its 14th year," said Ng.

Tony Tan is the Economic Consultant for the City of Guangxi based in Cebu.

This is the first time that CCCI had organized a trade delegation to attend CAEXPO, she added.

The CAEXPO highlights ASEAN markets, it provides a venue for ASEAN products to be showcased and also promoted in China.

The delegation was also able to connect with the chairperson of the ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce.

"We hope to be able to collaborate with DTI and DOT so that next year Cebu will be given an opportunity to exhibit in CAEXPO. The market in China and the ASEAN are huge with potentials beyond our imagination. If we are able to showcase our products and services at CAEXPO next year and every year after that, we will be opening new and bigger markets," Ng concluded. (FREEMAN)