Chamber strengthens ties with Malaysian biz group

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has strengthened its ties with the Malaysian business community, following the visit of a 15-men delegation from Malaysia.

Businessmen from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia led by Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall president Datò Dr. Chai Kee Kan were in Cebu and Bohol for a business and leisure trip, at the same time touching base with business organizations here like the CCCI.

In an interview with CCCI president Melanie Ng, she said that the chamber, including the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cebu and the Malaysian business group have tightened their linkages, as mutual interests for business exchanges and investments have improved significantly.

During the discussion, Ng said the Malaysian businessmen expressed interest to invest or forge partnership or joint venture with local businesses, particularly in the fields of retail, laundry services, oil/motor lubricant distribution, information technology, among others.

Part of the effects of the ASEAN integration Ng said is the frequent visits of business delegations from different ASEAN member countries to Cebu and other parts of the country.

Tourism is also part the interests among Malaysia businessmen. In fact, Ng added a Malaysian magazine "Travel Guide" will feature Cebu and Bohol as destination in its next issue.

"They are eager to come back to Cebu," said Ng adding that negotiations for supply deals, investments, joint venture or distributions, among other will take place in the next visits.

Ng added that aside from the opening of the regional trade within the ASEAN bloc, the direct flight recent opened from Cebu to Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur made it easier businesses in both countries to take advantage each other's markets. (FREEMAN)