THE Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Alliance of Business Structures and Entrepreneurs of Southeast Asia in Russia (B2BASEAN) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing economic collaboration between Mandaue City and the Russian business sector.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Oakridge Business Park in Mandaue City.

MCCI president Mark Anthony Ynoc and B2BASEAN president Lubarto Sartoyo led the signing, with key representatives from both organizations in attendance. Notable witnesses included MCCI immediate past president Kelie Ko, vice president for Internal Affairs Walter Ong and B2BASEAN chief executive officer Amerigo Tatel.

Ynoc, in an interview said, this agreement builds upon MCCI’s previous trade missions to Russia with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, including collaborations with the Moscow and St. Petersburg Chambers of Commerce.

He said the partnership aims to explore opportunities in various sectors such as alternative global markets, furniture exports, renewable energy, logistics and supply chain management, automation through artificial intelligence, education, advanced hospital equipment and other emerging technologies.

B2BASEAN, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Russia and Asean countries, is currently conducting a multi-sector business mission in the Philippines from May 21 to June 8.

This mission includes engagements in Manila, Mandaue and Cebu, in cooperation with the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in the Philippines and local business chambers.

Ynoc said the MOU signifies a commitment to fostering international relations and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in Mandaue and in Cebu Province. / KOC