CanCham-Cebu forms council to boost trade ties with Canada

CEBU, Philippines - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham) Cebu Chapter has created a council initially represented by nine industries to strengthen Cebu and Canada trade connection.

Chaired by CanCham-Cebu Chapter president Felix Tiukinhoy, the council aims to identify industry-centric advocacies and programs that will help members pursue effective partnerships and direct opportunities in Canada.

These industries include medical and healthcare, education, real estate, meat processing, retail, among others.

"We would like to set directions and identify the interest and also concerns of members. Next year, we will finalize the programs," said Tiukinhoy in an interview.

Recently, Tiukinhoy announced that the chamber is also taking a strong stance in pushing advocacies to help Cebuano businesses gain easier access to the Canadian market.

Significantly,  Tiukinhoy said that concerns in medical tourism, educational exchanges, real estate, and trading access are the top priorities that will be given attention by the growing organization here in Cebu.

Since the chapter's installation in Cebu in 2010, CanCham has grown its membership base to 60 corporations and individual members.

According to Tiukinhoy, Canada has become one of the important markets for Cebuano traders across industries, and it is timely for the local chapter to craft its own advocacy that will address the local-centric issues.

Last year, ChamCham-Cebu joined a trade mission organized by the national Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines office in a trade mission to Canada.

Tiukinhoy said Cebu has been able to carve its name as the ideal site for retirement among Canadians and Filipino-Canadians.

The standard upgrading done by some larger hospitals in Cebu is a big plus why Cebu is becoming competitive as an alternative retirement destination.

The almost one million Filipinos working and residing in Canada, also makes the northern American market, one of the desirable markets to tap for local traders, thus CanCham-Cebu aims to help its local trading member companies to have easy access to this market.

On the ground, Tiukinhoy said CanCham-Cebu will also help local companies to in providing information on how and what to prepare in accessing the Canadian market, in close coordination with the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines. — Ehda M. Dagooc (FREEMAN)