Aussie biz group to set up entrepreneurship centers

CEBU, Philippines - The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) is going to set up a “Community Entrepreneurship Center” in major cities in the country, including Cebu, to help Filipino entrepreneurs market their products in Australia and in other parts of the world.

CCIAP president Connie da Cunha said the group will prioritize the establishment of the Center in Cebu, Manila, and Mindanao, recognizing the quality Filipino craftsmanship in these areas that has big potential to make it in the global scene.

Cebu for instance, Da Cunha said there is still a big opportunity for Cebuano manufacturers, especially in furniture, fashion accessories, home furnishings, among others to capture the Australian market, as well as other countries.

The “Community Entrepreneurship Center” will serve as a common venue wherein entrepreneurs could market their products to Australia, via online, and the CCIAP will help the coordination and business matching for interested buyers abroad.

“The market that will be reached by the Community Center will not only be limited to Australia,” said Da Cunha adding that CCIAP will provide a link in its website for the Community Entrepreneurship Center products that can be accessed by the world.

“We are the vehicle to connect the buyers to the manufacturers,” she said.

She said it is good to make Australia as a gateway for the Philippine products, as it has a very good consumer and trading protection law. This will provide a good market come on to consumers, as well as good opportunity for manufacturers to increase their market based.

Entrepreneurs who are interested to join as members, can also avail of the different leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, trainings, as well as trends’ update, and other market information.

In Cebu, CCIAP is closely coordinating with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Center may be established within the chamber’s office, and constant communication, and location visit will be done by CCIAP members from time to time, she added.

This is the first time, that the CCIAP has established a stronger linkage with the Filipino manufacturers, Da Cunha said the Filipino-Australian businessmen including Australian businesses have good impression of the Filipino craftsmanship, and that their products, can not be compared with those made in China.

Da Cunha mentioned Cebu’s world renowned furniture products, which has greatly impressed the Australian market, saying that Cebu’s furniture designs are of excellent quality and brilliance as compared to China’s products.

“We don’t compete with China, because our products are unique and designs are being well thought of, and displays brilliance,” she said.

Last month, CCIAP and the two largest business groups in Cebu, the CCCI and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) signed a sister-chamber agreement to promote trade and commerce in both countries, especially from Cebu and Queensland, Australia. (THE FREEMAN)