A YEAR after it was formally incorporated, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) is planning to increase its membership base with companies operating in Cebu.

At present, the business association has more than 80 member-companies, all located in Metro Manila.

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Without giving figures, GPCCI president Klaus Schroeder said there are many German companies in Cebu, as well as Filipino-owned businesses that are doing transactions with Germany. He considered them potential members for the chamber.

He noted that Cebu’s growing tourism industry attracts many foreign investors, including Germans.

“Our thrust now is to cater to small and medium enterprises. If we can get at least 10 businesses from Cebu to join us, that would be a good (start) for us to get more members from here,” said Schroeder, also president and chief executive officer of international transportation company Hapag-Lloyd Philippines Inc.

GPCCI is a non-stock, non-profit organization registered under the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission.

Founded by 27 member-companies, it was officially incorporated in March last year.

The business group is involved in bilateral trade development through local government cooperation, affiliation with other local chambers, and mediation between Germany and the Philippines.

Schroeder said the organization provide member-companies opportunities to establish business linkages and networks with possible clients.

GPCCI facilitates contacts and offer consul-tancy, industry data and market intelligence, and visa support. It also organizes events and provide advertising opportunities to its members.

One of the chamber’s biggest events, said Schroeder, is Mabuhay Germany exhibition that is being positioned as a venue to increase sales and promotional opportunities of German companies in the country.

GPCCI will hold a second edition of the event in October in Manila this year. It will also continue its monthly economic forum and business development initiatives.

“We are keeping a positive outlook amid the global financial crisis. Everybody is affected by the crisis but we just have to continue doing (productive) activities and move forward,” said Schroeder.