Thursday, September 18, 2008 Group leaves Cebu for trade tour of Russia
THE Consulate of the Russian Federation, based in Cebu, Philippines is seeing the early rewards of its diplomatic and trade missions as the next wave of agreements between Cebu Province and Russia progress.
A group from Cebu, headed by Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation Armi Garcia, will leave today for Moscow for a series of discussions, exploratory meetings and agreement signings in what should be its most ambitious mission so far—the consolidation of a political, cultural and economic agenda with Moscow.
Representatives of the Provincial Government will include Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Provincial Board (PB) Members Wilfredo Caminero (chairman of the committees on agriculture and livelihood, public safety and peace and order), John Bolo (chairman of the committees on provincial and municipal properties and education), Wenceslao Gakit (chairman of the committees on budget and appropriations and ways and means), Peter John Calderon, chairman of the committees on public health and social services and laws and review on ordinances.
Members of the Cebu delegation also include Eric Mendoza of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Eric Casas of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Wilson Ng of MCCI, Melanie Ng of the Philippine Retailers’ Association Cebu Chapter, Glenn Soco of MCCI, Enrison Benedicto of Berbenwood Industries, Fr. Dan de los Angeles, Ronald Conopio of the governor’s office, Ramir Bonghanoy of the Gifts, Toys and Houseware Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Cebu-GTH) and Joyce Natalie Young of the University of San Carlos (USC).
The delegation aims to ink an sisterhood agreement with Russia’s Vladimirskaya region and forge an academic partnership or exchange program between Vladimir State University and USC and the University of San Jose-Recolletos.
Cebu-GTH representatives will also participate in Gifts Expo in Moscow on Sept. 23 to 26 while other business community representatives work on establishing trade agreements with chambers of commerce in Russia, as well as the furniture and fashion accessory export sectors there.
