PCCI eyes deals with Asian peers for market access

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry intends to forge cross border deals with its counterparts in the region, to secure local firms’ greater access to key Asian markets.

According to PCCI president George T. Barcelon, the group is now strengthening its business councils to develop greater trade and investments relations with other Asian business groups. The target was for these councils to supplement the efforts of their respective member-companies  to capture the lucrative growth opportunities across a number of industries including agriculture, business process outsourcing (BPO), telecommunications, manufacturing, mining, consumer products, logistics and transportation, and global supply chains.

According to Barcelon, the councils are expected to jointly organize forums, inbound and outbound trade missions, roundtable discussions, as well as business matching and networking sessions. The councils were likewise invited to join PCCI business delegations in official foreign travels of President Duterte and the trade missions of the Department of Trade and Industry.

The PCCI chief added that market information could be shared with small and medium enterprises, particularly those that could be potential suppliers or participants to the global value and supply chains, but are currently lacking in experience and staff for export marketing.

Barcelon, along with other PCCI officials, already met with council officials from Asia. The business councils for Europe, the Middle East, Africa will soon be convened by the PCCI.