CCCI seeks to strengthen ties with KL

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is ready to make concerted efforts with the business community of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to boost trade and tourism between the two cities.

CCCI president Melanie Ng said the recent visit of the 15-person delegation from Kuala Lumpur for business and leisure trips to Cebu and Bohol opens doors to possible trade investments and strategic partnerships.

“The delegation is eager to come back after our successful meetup,” said Ng.

The delegation from the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall was headed by its president Dato’ Dr. Chai Kee Kan and directors. Ng said the group was represented by members of the IT, retail, services, construc- tion and health industries.

According to Ng, foreign trade missions to Cebu has gone up this year. She said this is a reflection of the optimism and confidence of foreign investors in the Philippines and Cebu amid the challenges it is presently facing.

She added that the visit of the Malaysian delegation also reflects how neighboring Southeast Asian countries are preparing for the increased investments that the Asean integration may bring.

Ng said Cebu is positioned to reap investments in trade and tourism as the city is already well connected to Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, as the Philippines will close its hosting of the Asean 50 celebration this year, the CCCI official said that they will bring a delegation to attend the twoday Asean Business and Invest- ment Summit next month, where world leaders including US President Donald Trump is expected to attend.

Joining Trump – aside from leaders of the ten Asean member-countries – are Russian president Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and acting South Korean President Hwang Kyo-Ahn, among others. /