Cebu business owners are keen to do business with China.
ITS population of 1.4 billion consumers present huge market opportunities that are difficult to ignore, said Antonio Chiu, president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
Chiu said it is for this reason business owners are aggressive in joining trade missions to China.
To forge business deals with Chinese partners would mean additional employment, additional revenue and the opportunity to make Cebuano products available in the top shelves of Chinese stores.
CCCI is sending some 50 delegates to the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Nov. 4 to 7 in Shanghai.
Chiu said this expo is unique because it focuses on showcasing goods that can be imported by China.
“Almost all exhibitors are foreign companies wanting to sell to China,” he said.
Chiu hopes the upcoming CIIE would also be as successful as the recent trade mission they participated in in Xiamen, China early this month with the Cebu Provincial Government.
CCCI signed an agreement of cooperation with the Xiamen Chamber of International Commerce.
He said Cebu had a booth during the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (Cifit) showcasing tourist areas in Cebu and products made in Cebu.
“The response and inquiries we received was overwhelming,” said Chiu.
The CCCI official hopes Cebu business owners attract investments related to building materials, information technology, logistics including warehousing and cold storage facilities.
Fujian is one of the more affluent provinces in China, with many industries spanning tea production, clothing and sports manufacturing.
It is also home to a number of economic and technological development zones. (KOC)