27th CACCI in Cebu a huge success

CEBU, Philippines - Major stakeholders from both the government and private sector shared a common vision that holding the 27th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) conference in Cebu symbolizes the acknowledgement of the international community on the robust economy of the Philippines, emphasizing Cebu as the premier investment hub in the country.

Delegates from 19 countries in the Asia-Pacific region came to Cebu last March 14 to 15 for the 2013 CACCI conference that was held at Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) won the bid to host the international conference for the first time, besting five other interested countries.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Miguel Varela described Cebu as an excellent choice to host the international conference, serving as a living testament for the vibrant economic growth in the country,

He added that the province’s healthy and upbeat economic climate would propel the region’s quest for inclusive growth and development.

It has been the second time for the country to host the  CACCI conference. PCCI hosted the international event in Manila in 2008.

Jose Ng, chairman of the 27th CACCI organizing committee, said that the participating delegates had the opportunity to explore and discover trade and investment opportunities in Cebu and in the Philippines.

He cited that the country offers a large domestic market base of consumers, competent workforce and a growing market for real-estate, tourism, business process outsourcing, information and communications technology, creative design and services.

He further noted that Cebu, in particular, is the premiere hub of trade and commerce in the country with its strategic location in the heart of the Philippines and infrastructure and facilities that cater to business, travel and trade opportunities.

“Cebu is a cosmopolitan metropolis that is experiencing remarkable growth within the last few decades.  I hope you will be actively part of this growth soon,” he stated.

According to Ng, the committee has officially recorded 475 registered delegates from all over the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15.

CACCI President Benedicto Yujuico revealed that it was supposedly Malaysia’s turn to host the 2013 event but managed to convince the other country to give in to the Philippines taking into account the 110th year of CCCI and the booming economy of the country.

He then lauded the hospitality shown by Cebuanos, admitting that it had exceeded their expectations.

He added that more than 90% of the foreign delegates looked forward to come and visit Cebu again as they have enjoyed their stay even with the limited time.

He said that the CACCI conference in 2014 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Newly-elected CCCI president Lito Maderazo expressed hope that the business-to-business engagement among different counterparts in the region would result to a productive trade and investment in the future.

He also said that it has been a privilege for CCCI to host the conference in time for the celebration of the chamber’s 110th anniversary, citing the chamber’s continued commitment to building more diverse trade patterns and sustained investment and cooperation partnerships.

“Being the venue for the 27th CACCI Conference, Cebu City manifests our shared ideals of economic progress despite the global financial crisis in the recent years. As one of the prime economic centers in the Philippines, Cebu has been sustaining its growth with its dynamism in industries such as tourism, ICT, BPO, MSMEs and world-class exports like furniture and processed food,” he said.

Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale took pride as Cebu was the preferred venue to host the two-day conference that highlighted the province as an ideal destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

She pointed out the Cebu’s special features such as its international airport, world-class hotels, resorts, restaurants, countryside, culture and history

She further congratulated CCCI, saying that the “multi-awarded chamber is able, capable and always ready to serve as a host to any business conference.”

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama echoed the same sentiments as Magpale, enumerating the strengths of the city which includes competent labor force, education, young working population, and English language proficiency.

He further noted that the 27th CACCI Conference has created an atmosphere of confidence to uphold small and medium enterprises in the Asia Pacific region, help promote peace, prosperity, and strengthen policies and programs for the betterment of business industries to attract more investors.

With the theme “Asia Pacific: Catalyst to Global Recovery”, the two-day conference was designed to gather chamber directors, leading businessmen and government officials from the region to discuss how they can work closely together to sustain economic development, grasp common opportunities and manage shared risks and problems amid current uncertainties in the world market while playing a catalytic role in the global recovery. (FREEMAN)