Chamber seeks affiliation with global business group

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims for an official partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce in Asia to pave way for higher opportunities for chamber members to penetrate the core of Asian trade.

CCCI president Ma. Teresa B. Chan met with ICCA regional director Lee Ju Song during one of the APEC Summit meetings participated by the private sector.

"We discussed about the official affiliation of CCCI to the International Chamber, that may soon happen," said Chan.

Chan said although the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is already affiliated with the Singapore-based global business organization, it is still important for the CCCI to have its own affiliation to provide its members clearer, easier linkage pathway amid the pressure of globalization.

This move, Chan said is part of the chamber's active entry to the international business landscape, even beyond the "premises" of ASEAN region.

Recently, Chan announced that Singapore and Vietnam will add to the chamber's roster of countries in the ASEAN bloc that the organization has existing partnership deals.

CCCI had already officially inked sisterhood deals with Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

In principle, the business community in the ASEAN region has been organized through the Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), however, Chan said there is still a need for Cebu business players to make closer and "personalized" connection with the business decision makers especially in the ASEAN countries, as the integration dictates a more vigorous effort in collaboration.

Chan said although the businesses in Cebu have already been prepared for the shift of business dynamics under the integration, the chamber has to reinforce this in order not to be left behind.

Outside of ASEAN, the chamber is also constantly working on connecting with different business organizations per country, and its linkage to the International Chamber of Commerce in Asia is seen to accelerate this move.