CCCI, Provincial Government set trade mission to China

MEMBERS of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) are set to visit China for a trade mission this month in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government.

CCCI president Prudencio Gesta stressed the need for the chamber to work closely with the Provincial Government so it could tap potential partners like China and Europe.

Gesta said business chambers in other countries have strong partnership with their respective governments. “That’s why they can easily tap or forge ties with other countries because there is already a government-to-government dealing,” he said.

In other countries, the creation of business chambers is strictly mandated by their governments, Gesta said.

He said a trade mission will offer greater access in the global market through meeting with potential buyers or business partners. This is also an avenue to showcase the country’s various products, rich culture and tourism to other countries.

Emerging market

Apart from the China trade mission, CCCI is also set to conduct a trade mission in Eastern Europe this year.

Philexport earlier identified Poland as an emerging market for Philippine products as it presents big business opportunities for Filipino exporters due to its rising imports among other Eastern European countries.

According to figures from the Polish Central Statistical Office, last year’s 4.3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) of Poland was mainly driven by domestic demand, which rose 3.8 percent compared to 2010.

Its growth was projected to increase to five percent in the coming years.

Philexport said most Polish imports are energy and capital goods needed for industrial retooling and for manufacturing inputs.

Citing International Trade Center-Trademap data, iSearch Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. Cebu identified Poland as an emerging market for houseware products.

Poland’s top imports in the houseware sector in 2009 include artificial flowers, foliage and fruit; tableware, kitchenware and porcelain/china; basketwork, wickerwork and other articles made from plaiting materials; ceramic articles; statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles; and plaits and similar products of plaiting material mats, matting and screens.

Construction

Poland also embarked on major construction projects like roads, airports, railways and stadium as it hosts this year’s Euro football championship. Poland also launched the construction of its nuclear plant.

According to the Federation of International Trade Associations, these are sectors that have real business opportunities for companies wishing to invest in a market considered the economic center of Eastern Europe.