MCCI puts expo plans on hold

The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) is putting on hold its plan to send a delegation to an overseas trade show this November.

MCCI president Stanley Go revealed the chamber is waiting for the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) to fix its issues before they finalize their delegation to attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China.

“We planned to send a delegation to China for CIIE, but its currently on hold,” said Go, adding that Citem has to iron out some glitches with the CIIE and secure the country’s spot in the expo.

CIIE is a major international event that shows China’s support for trade liberalization and further opens the Chinese market to the world.

The expo is slated on Nov. 5 to 10. Over 100 Philippine products and service exporters, investors and government representatives are expected to join the expo.

CIIE is the only trade show in China to date that will feature foreign exhibitors and no Chinese companies on the exhibit floor.

In past interviews, Go said Cebu is expected to send a strong delegation to China so it could showcase the province’s strengths being a flourishing economic hub that is open to more foreign investments.

Go said MCCI specifically is eyeing to create stronger links with Chinese business owners and investors to boost trade exchange between two countries.

During the CIIE roadshow here, Cebu’s business leaders, CCCI president consul Antonio Chiu and MCCI vice president Eric Ng Mendoza conveyed their interest to partner with the Cebu Provincial Government to send a delegation to Shanghai. /