CCCI, DOST forge partnership to support micro-entrepreneurs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has strengthened its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to further support the development of Micro-Small-Medium (MSMEs) in Cebu.

Through the newly created “Support for the Promotions and Dissemination of Science and Technology activities and service sot MSMEs Cebu,” the chamber and DOST will work together in connecting small and medium businesses to newer technology that will improve their business operations and marketability.

According to CCCI, one of the deficiencies that thwarted the development of MSMEs is their inability to access updated technology.

Through this partnership CCCI hopes that MSME players will be able to find more opportunities and thrive amid the very competitive business environment.

With existing connection and channels, CCCI can assist DOST in the promotion and implementation of the latter’s activities and services. Together, both organizations are haring same goal to bring technology and entrepreneurship.

Considering DOST’s science and technology projects and CCCI’s entrepreneur campaigns, it is expected that this collaboration will again impact the MSMEs in their pursuit for growth and development.

One of the highlights in this month’s Cebu Business Month (CBM 2011) in the entrepreneurship aspect is the holding of the two-day “Creative Summit” on June 21 to 22 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

With the theme “Entrepreneurship Interface with Creativity and Innovation,” the event is tagged as the “1st Cebu Creative Industries Summit.”

The speakers and presenters are distinguished personalities from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO), Creative Cebu Council, DOST, and other private organizations.

The two-day summit aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and approaches to creative enterpreneurship and techno-preneurship. It is also a venue to learn creative and innovative strategies for business excellence, growth and global competitiveness.

In an interview with DTI-Cebu provincial office director Nelia F. Navarro, she said that with this move, Cebu is expected to take the lead in taking a larger chunk of the US$2.3 trillion creative industry market in the world.

Navarro said that the Creative Industries sector is one of the country's priority sectors for development and promotion

“This is anchored on the belief that 'creativity is the new driver for growth in Cebu's economy: the engine that will sustain our different endeavors,” Navarro said.

With Cebu's popularity in gaining global acceptance for its products through the creativity and innovativeness of such renowned designers as Kenneth Cobonpue and Movement 8, Navarro said it is the “perfect” time to further develop and provide full support for the creative industries sector players in Cebu.

“Cebu has already lost competitiveness and market position of its manufactured products, due mainly to the lower production of cost of other countries. What's left now is our creativity expressed through our works and design,” Navarro said. (FREEMAN)