CCCI ready for int’l event

WITH less than a month to go until the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) Conference, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Prudencio Gesta is positive that all preparations are in order for the two-day event this March.

Gesta, during the CCCI’s general membership meeting yesterday, said they are about 90 percent ready to host the conference, saying 219 delegates have confirmed their attendance as of Thursday.

The conference will gather members of different chambers across the Asia Pacific region.

Gesta expressed concern for some 32 CCCI members who have not yet registered for the conference and appealed to them to participate, saying their small contribution to the conference aids Cebu in its aim to become an investment hub in the Asia Pacific.

“That is our investment for the future. Please participate,” he said. Some 66 members of foreign chambers have completed their registration.

Though their expected amount of P5 million from the Cebu Province was cut to P3 million, Gesta assured the lesser amount will not be a problem.

“Any amount given is welcome. We also recognize the financial condition of the Province as relayed to us, so it is more than enough for us,” Gesta told reporters.

While he admitted that they are focused on the preparations for the CACCI conference, the CCCI is also preparing for the Cebu Business Month this June, with the theme “Excite Cebu! Power Up Global Business.”

The chamber will showcase Cebu’s information and communication technology and business process outsourcing; tourism; entrepreneurship; and emerging industries. Stakeholders are expected to advocate for Cebu’s business community through dialogue, networking and collaboration.