Spanish Chamber of Commerce bullish on RP

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce (La Camara) yesterday reiterated their confidence in the country in spite of uncertainties brought by the May national elections as it pushed the Philippines as an attractive business destination.

La Camara president Jose Luis Romero-Salas earlier disclose that the chamber is planning to  hold at least two major expos this year to cement the strong demand for locally available Spanish products and services in the country.

Romero-Salas said they are looking towards holding an expo in Boracay in April and the continuation of the annual Spanish Products & Services Expo later in the year.

Also, the La Camara will be holding more Spanish wine and gourmet seminars that are taking after the successful holding of the first Spanish Wine Challenge in the country last year. 

According to  Romero-Salas, said they remain confident the Philippine economy would continue its upswing despite local politics and the election taking center stage.

"We are very positive on the Philippine economy despite the coming election.  The government has done a good enough job last year and we believe that 2007 will even be better," Romero-Salas said.

He said the elections will not have a negative effect on the local currency at it remains strong against the greenback. He likewise said the elections will not affect prices as it will not push up the inflation. 

He also said the government’s increased infrastructure spending this year in support of its super region projects together with the expected uptick in mining, business process outsourcing, and tourism activities would all bode well for the economy.

"We have seen the inroads of our aggressive campaigns in northern Philippines.  We are now pushing for Spain to regain acceptance in the south," Romero-Salas said.

However, he said the government should address the issue of land ownership. "If it can be done, we believe that more Spanish investments will be coming into the country.  There is definite interest in tourism and infrastructure."