The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, welcomed last week (January 27, 2017) a delegation sent by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation. The Russian delegates discussed the capacity of Russian companies to participate in infra projects like transport systems and power plants.
Mentioning that they have industrial projects in Asean countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia, the Russians sought chamber assistance to get to know how business works in the Philippines and an orientation on the process of breaking into the Philippine markets.
The PCCI and its subsidiary, the Philippines-Russia Business Council, were interested in clarifying customs and phytosanitary rules for mangoes, bananas and other fresh Philippine fruits and in meeting with reliable buyers or traders of farm products. Both sides recognized the need for reliable port calls by ships and low- cost and short routes between Vladivosok and Manila.
The presentations were attended by PCCI executives George T. Barcelon (president), Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico (chairman) Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr (treasurer), Ramon Escueta, Angelito Colona, Roberto Amores, and Bernardo Benedicto III. Among the members of the council at the meeting were Roberto de Venecia., Ricardo Penson, Philip Ong. Whelma Lanzuela, Roger Oriel, Noel Ty, and Leo Riingen.
The Russians were led led by Minister-Counsellor Vadim V. Velikanov of the Russian Federation embassy. Representing the Department of Foreign Affairs was Teddy Pavon.Representing SkyGreen Imports were Roberto Robes, Vincent Robes, Maria Rita Ros and John Henry Yap.
The PCCI said it will help in gathering the Philippine delegation that will accompany President Duterto when he makes a state visit in Moscow in the spring.The Russian ministries said they will anticipate the visits and make arrangements for meetings. President Vladimir Putin of Russia sent the delegation in response to an invitation by President Rodrigo R. Duterte made during 2016 Asean summit in Laos. (PCCI Press Releases)
Meanwhile, the PCCI-Baguio, Benguet Chapter Inc hosted a Business Meeting with the Canadian Trade Mission to the Philippines particularly Baguio City. The purpose of this trade mission conducted by the Filipin0oCanadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) is to promote economic opportunities between the Philippines and Canada in general and between Baguio City and City of Vaughan in particular.
The inbound trade mission from Canada is composed of Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Linda Insigne, head of the delegation and President of FCAV, Mr. Lou Maieron, former Mayor of City of Vaughan, now an entrepreneur. During the presentation, Mr. Maieron discussed about aquaculture, while Mr. Frank Miele, one of the team members and first Honorary FCAV Member presented the Everforce Energy which is made up of magnetic power.
As a result of this event, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by both the two organizations, the PCCI-BBCI and Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaugan (FCAV). The objective of the memorandum is to promote common prosperity and economic cooperation through trade, tourism, real estate development, agri-aqua culture, solar/magnetic energy, information technology and professional human resources and expertise through Cultural and social exchanges and through other mutually beneficial programs and activities.
The document was signed by its authorized representatives and Presidents of both agencies, Mr. Modesto B. Imayaho,and Ms. Linda Insigne, respectively.
