Chamber to send team to Naning

Some 20 to 30 members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will join this year’s China-Asean Expo (Caexpo) in Naning, China this September.

CCCI President Melanie Ng said the delegation aims to explore economic possibilities with their counterparts in China and among member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

“We hope to boost our import and export trade with China especially in these exciting times,” said Ng, referring to efforts to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between China and the Philippines.

“We want to make sure we are able to capitalize on the ini- tiatives and programs of both governments,” she added. “Our priority is for our members to explore all opportunities with other foreign countries with regards to services and products.”

Happening on Sept. 12 to 15 in the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Caexpo is co-sponsored by ministries or departments of commerce or industry and trade of China and the 10 Asean member-states.

Having successfully concluded 13 sessions so far, the Caexpo has grown into an event of international influence and plays an important role in promoting cooperation between China and Southeast Asia.

The 14th Caexpo will highlight innovation-driven development, promoting export of high-end equipment with advanced technology and high-added value services, to upgrade cooperation between China and Asean countries.

Two-way trade between the Philippines and China reached $19.4 billion during the first five months of 2017, up by 8.1 percent on a year-on-year basis.