THE Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council is optimistic that the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will strengthen its efforts in building more ties with foreign entities to bring in more development opportunities for local enterprises.
Mary Ann Colmenares, chairman of the Provincial MSMED Council, said top British officials are receptive to the idea of exploring Negros Occidental, mainly for possible partnerships.
Colmenares was among the province's representatives who met with Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad and United Kingdom's Trade Envoy Richard Graham during the opening of British Week celebration at Richmonde Hotel in Iloilo City Friday.
She joined former governor Rafael Coscolluela, the province's consultant on investment promotions, trade and export development and inter-agency coordination, Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development president Edgardo Uychiat, and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation president Gerry Ledesma.
"The former governor has extended an invitation to the British officials to also visit Negros Occidental and establish stronger relationships between their country and the province," Colmenares added.
During the gathering, the British government expressed plans to institutionalize the hosting of the British Week in Iloilo City, which is now on its second year.
The activity aims to improve the foreign country's relationship with the Philippines.
Colmenares said that aside from the short-meeting with stakeholder representatives from Panay and Negros Islands, the British officials also visited University of Iloilo for possible tie ups in terms of education.
She added that the British ambassador, in his speech, gave a positive impression on the fast-moving developments in Iloilo, including the infrastructure support from the government.
"They are seeing a lot of possible investments for Iloilo City, including the retail sector," Colmenares said, adding that "this is something that Negros Occidental should also work for."
The provincial government should explore possible tie ups with foreign groups and embassies, and establish other diplomatic alliances to spur more investment opportunities, she also said.
Colmenares said there should be a committee composed of representatives from both public and private sector to concentrate on building outside linkages, especially those with foreign governments.
Through this initiative, more trade will be created resulting to more employment, she said.
"More trade and commerce spells a lively business environment that would impact positively local entrepreneurs. Thus, we need to reach out to other countries and make them realize how beautiful our province is," Colmenares added.