Russia strengthens trade ties with RP and the rest of Asia

CEBU, Philippines – A forty-man delegation from Russia is here today in Cebu for the 2nd Philippine Russian Business Forum at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

"The first Philippine-Russian business forum last year strengthened these ties. Now we are moving forward towards making the Philippines as an entry point for Russia's efforts to develop its relationship with the rest of Asia," said Honorary Russian Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia.

"As coordinator for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) the Philippines is a strategic entry point to South East Asia and the rest of the region as we also develop broader regional relations between Asia and the Russian Federation," she added.

The second annual business forum between the two countries will set the stage for deepening economic engagements between the Russian Federation and Asia as businesses across both regions explore cross--border collaboration opportunities.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim and Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, along with Russian Federation Ambassador H.H. Nikolay Kudashev, will cut the ribbon to open the four-day PRBFEx which starts today and serves as a business and networking platform bridging businesses across the Russian Federation, the Philippines, and Asia.

Economic observers are looking forward to economic growth in Asia and Russia that will see both increasing their presence and weight in the global economy, said Consul Garcia.     

Russians have become an important market for the Philippines, especially for Cebu. In fact, hotel players have even employed Russian staff to cater specifically for this emerging travel market.

The Philippines, being the closest tropical destination in the eastern part of Russia, is expecting a surge of arrivals from this area, given that the distance is only a five-hour flight.

The Russian market been constantly eyed by Philippine Tourism as an emerging travel market in the Philippines, even described to be among the top high-spenders.

The 2nd Philippine-Russian Business Forum is organized by the Philippine Russian Business Assembly Inc. and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in cooperation with the Province of Cebu and the Department of Tourism.

The Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corp. is co-organizing the event in association with the City of Mandaue, Department of Trade and Industry, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Business Club, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu FAME, Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, and the Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares (GTH). (FREEMAN)