Foreign dignitaries meet in forum at CICC in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines – The gathering of foreign dignitaries that met for a business forum at Cebu International Convention Center yesterday afternoon served as one of the highlights in the celebration of the 41st founding anniversary of Mandaue City.

The business forum was entitled "Business Trade Promotion."

This year's theme is "Building Bridges. Discovering New Horizons."

Mandaue City and Cebu as a whole is being promoted to participating countries.

The participants include Venezuelan Charge d'Affaires Manuel Perez Iturbe, Pakistani Ambassador Mohsin Razi, Sri Lankan Ambassador Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Cam-bodian Ambassador Hos Sereythonh, Indonesian Ambassador Kristiarto S. Legowo, and Vietnam's deputy head of mission Pham Hao.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Eric Mendoza said the forum marks a milestone in the business industry and establishes stronger relationships with other countries.

He said Mandaue City is growing fast.

"Mandaue is home to big conglomerates such as San Miguel Corporation and Coca Cola," Mendoza said.

He said the city is the furniture capital of the country and could have a productive partnership with other countries.

"We are trying to persuade our neighbors to invest in Mandaue," Mendoza said.

Mandaue has 7.6 growth in the second quarter of this year, he said.

During the forum, each foreign dignitary was given 10 minutes to deliver a speech to promote their country.

Pakistani Ambassador Razi said his country is in need of food.

Almost one-fifth of Pakistan is submerged in water and 20 million people are affected, he said.

"The unprecendented flood in my country is the biggest catastrophe we have experienced," Razi said.

Razi asked for assistance from investors and from other foreign dignitaries.

Indonesian Ambassador Legowo said his country has emerged from the global financial crisis with a surprising new generation.

Legowo said the relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines will leave a mark in tourism.

"I believe we have a lot of things to offer," said Legowo.

Cambodian Ambassador Sereythonh said President Noynoy Aquino have three proposals for their country which include tight bond for their trade and commerce, chartered flights, and putting up a San Miguel in Cambodia.

"Putting up a San Miguel in Cambodia is a lovely proposal," Sereythonh said.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Cooray considers the forum as a cornerstone in the relations between the nations and Mandaue City.

Mendoza said the business forum will serve as a bridge for a stronger relationship with other nations.

"This is just the start of a great bond," Mendoza said.

The forum was initiated by Mandaue City in cooperation with Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (FREEMAN)