French SMEs laud Cebuano creativity

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the unfavorable global economic situation, the brilliant skills of Cebuanos on designing and creativity have gained the attention of French companies to set up businesses here.

"The spirit of creativity of Cebuanos is attracting companies from France to set up factories here," said newly installed French Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, Thierry Borja de Mozota in an interview over the weekend.

He said French companies mostly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have expressed interest in putting up their businesses here, not because of Cebu's attractive site that offers both business and leisure, but significantly because of Cebuano's good skill in design and creativity, and their willingness to work hard.

Borja de Mozota was in Cebu recently to strengthen the trade relationship between France and the Cebu government and the private sector, saying "Cebu is important for us."

France, the center of fashion in the world, is now eyeing Cebu as its extended "factory", taking advantage of the province's well-known strength in designing, and creativity.

Currently, there are few French companies that have set up their manufacturing operations here, in furniture, home furnishings, and fashion accessories, also a company that makes electric wires for cars and another company, which is into Bluetooth technology development, both located at the Mactan Export Zone (MEZ).

One company for instance, is making components for expensive bags, and other accessory items, using parts of "Manta Ray" as raw material. According to Borja de Mozota, Cebu will be expecting investments from France, although sizes are not as big, but it would stir up demand for employment. Initially, these companies may need 10 to 60 persons per company, but at least the upcoming investments will provide jobs for Cebu.

Aside from furniture and fashion accessories, he said investment interest would also include the Information Technology (IT) field.

The Ambassador also emphasized the huge potential of Cebu, becoming a favorite tourism destination for French because of its rich culture, and dive sites, but he cited concerns on travel accessibility or direct flight from France to Cebu.

He said Cebu being the host province of the ASEAN Summit a couple of years back, had helped pull up strengthen its name as a destination in the international market, saying the hosting of Cebu in the ASEAN Summit has brought attention to the French community.

Today, a lot of French tourists, or travel enthusiasts are wondering why it is difficult to travel to Cebu, because of unavailability of direct flights and connecting flights, unlike Thailand.

The Ambassador also mentioned that Carcar in the southern part of Cebu, is also becoming a popular tourism site for French travelers, because of the town's intact heritage and culture like old churches, and architecture (old houses), among others.

Bohol is also becoming a destination of choice among French travelers because of its magnificent diving spots, and eco-tourism attractions.