Cebu industries encouraged to participate in UN projects

Cebuano industry players especially in the construction, engineering, architecture, logistics, and related services are urged to participate in the multibillion-dollar project opportunity offered by the United Nations-procurement Division.

Recently, this particular division of the UN, was in Cebu led by Toshio Mikami, chief for logistics and transportation section of the UN secretariat procurement division.

The event, which was dubbed “Seminar on Doing Business with the United Nations” posed challenge to the industry players in Cebu to jumpstart its globalization “ballgame”, as the market is not only limited in the Philippines.

Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO) director Nelia F. Navarro has called the Cebuano industry players to lead in the participation to the huge UN projects all over the world, as this is a good opportunity for designers, construction companies, sub- contractors, architects, to prove their competence in the global market, starting off with making good in the Un-funded projects, and programs.

In 2010, the UN procurement division offered a total of US$14 billion worth of projects to different industry sectors, and the Philippines got a thin or zero share of this market.

Record showed that in 2007, the Philippines got only a total of US$48 thousand worth of projects offered by United Nations, because of lack of interest among Filipino industry players to enter into UN- funded projects and programs.

While UN requires very strict standard upon bidding for particular project, Navarro said this is a good opportunity for Filipino or Cebuano industry players to “raise the bar” in terms of quality management, and efficiency to make a difference and to seize the multi- billion- dollar business opportunity offered by UN.

Besides, Navarro added once a company is approved serve the UN project, it is a good opportunity to enter the world market, closing projects not only for UN, but for big private companies across the world.

“This is a different ballgame. Companies should start looking at the world as their market, especially for our architects, construction firms, engineering companies, and logistics,” Navarro said.

Cebu for instance, has high opportunity to enter the UN market, because of the talented designers, and good skills in construction. In fact, multinational companies in Middle East, Singapore, Europe, even in Unite States, are hiring Filipino construction workers.

At this time, Navarro said while the Cebuano companies still have to prepare their readiness in entering the huge UN market, those companies that are now operating at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority ( PEZA) could easily enter into bidding with the UN.

“All they have to do is to register in the UN website, and follow the standard requirements being set in order to offer their bid. I’m sure our companies have far more edge over other competitors from other countries,” Navarro said.

The United Nations Procurement Division oversees the contracts for the acquisition of a wide variety of goods, works and services for the UN Headquarters, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations HQS and peacekeeping missions, the Office Away from Headquarters, the UN Tribunals and commissions worldwide, and other organizations seeking procurement support services. It is the largest buying resource in the United Nations system.