CCCI trade missions take a backseat

CEBU, Philippines — Instead of mounting overseas trade missions, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) prefers to work on Cebu’s readiness to host investors first.

CCCI president Virgilio Espeleta said the chamber may temporarily set aside organizing trade missions abroad to make way for Cebu to build a good platform to accommodate the rising number of inbound trade missions coming from different countries.

While the investment and promotions concierge is still being worked out in partnership with the Cebu City government, Espeleta said the chamber will focus on crafting up good investment mapping within the Cebu province to take advantage of the trade and investment missions coming to Cebu.

He said it would be more productive and economical for companies which usually join overseas mission, to make strong connections with investors while they are visiting in Cebu.

“We have to prepare an investment map. What are the areas that we need that is “investable”. We still have to talk to many people and agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, local government units, Cebu provincial government, etc.,” he said.

The Chamber has a number of existing sister-chamber pact with different business organizations around the world. These will be optimized so that inbound or future outbound missions shall be more productive and much effective.

Recently, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella announced the creation of Cebu City Investment Concierge next year, through an Executive Order.

Labella said the investment center will be operated in partnership with CCCI. (FREEMAN)