Trade chamber to boost PH image ahead of integration

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, is set to showcase and promote the Philippine brand in a business conference in October, in preparation for the forthcoming establishment of the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

“This year’s theme, ‘Proudly Pinoy Made: Partnering Towards Sustained Growth,’ will highlight the competitiveness of local industries and the quality of Philippine-made products, including the services provided through Filipino ingenuity,” PCCI president Alfredo Yao said in a statement Saturday.

“The (40th Philippine Business Conference) is all about promoting the Philippine brand preparatory to the integration into the Asean Economic Community,” he added.

The Philippine Business Conference, scheduled for October this year at the Manila Hotel, is an annual gathering of government and business leaders meant to strengthen collaboration through dialogue and networking between the public and private sectors. The collaboration anticipates and responds to rapidly changing conditions with impact on the economy, PCCI added.

PCCI has appointed George T. Barcelon as chair of the conference, “in recognition of his knowledge, experience and leadership in growing and sustaining his business endeavors to sustainable competitiveness, whether in information technology, manufacturing, real estate development, logistics, and consumer products.”

Barcelon, a chemical engineer and a De La Salle graduate, is president of Integrated Computer systems, ICS ICT Logistics and Service Corp., Paramount Vinyl Products Corp., Edit Corp., Key West Realty Corp., Interwood Inc., and Keywest Marketing.

He is a trustee and member of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Business Processing Association of the Philippines, Rotary Club of Makati, Cardinal Santos Hospital Foundation and Greenhills West Homeowners Association.