CCIAP Chamber of Commerce Industry Australia Philippines Trade Mission 2010

Queensland business delegation concluded a successful trade mission

Delegates from Queensland met key industry leaders and high level government officials in key priority areas for both Australia and the Philippines: mining, agribusiness, tourism and education.

The Philippine Trade and Business Mission which were held in Manila and Cebu on 17 July 2010 to 30 July 2010 was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Inc (CCIAP). The Mission’s objectives are to explore economic cooperation and to seek business tie ups at business to business level.

The 12-member delegation conducted high level discussions with key business leaders and newly appointed top level government officials in Manila, Makati, Quezon City, San Fernando City (Pampanga), Cebu City and Mandawe City. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry formally received the Mission Delegates and invited the Delegation at the Joint General Membership Meeting for a briefing with Honourable Secretary Gregory Domingo, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). A meeting with DIT Under Secretary Cristino Panlilio followed afterwards.

The Delegation participated in business matching conducted at the Shangri-la Hotel Makati and at the Cebu City Sports Club and went on for several days as the group attracted more than 70 local businesses combined. The Delegation had visited several educational institutions including the Lyceum University of the Philippines in Manila and the Holy Angel University in Pampanga. Business sites, factory visits and courtesy calls with the local mayors in the visited cities were part of the agenda. The Delegation also visited several city attractions in Cebu and in Manila with historical and cultural significance, acquiring knowledge in Philippine history and culture.

Australian Ambassador Rod Smith and Senior Trade Commissioner Ross Bray hosted the Delegation at the Australian Embassy. Mr. Bray provided an economic briefing highlighting the benefits of AANZFTA (ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement) and the opportunities for Australian businesses considering doing business in the Philippines.

Cebu Governor Ms. Gwen Garcia met the Delegation at the Cebu Capitol. The meeting was followed by a farewell dinner hosted by the Governor at the Marco Polo Hotel.

The Mission’s theme was “Promoting culture, promoting commerce at business to business level”. “Understanding the culture of the country in which one conducts business or trade should be one of the key success factors that one should seriously consider. When one understands the culture of that country, there will be mutual respect. And being respectful could go a long way towards achieving collaboration, successful negotiation and productive cooperation”, Ms. Connie da Cunha, CCIAP President and Head of the Mission said.

Initial discussions were held with the respective Mayors of Makati City, San Fernando City, Pampanga, and with the Cebu Governor to pursue cultural initiatives with CCIAP to further promote their respective city and regions in Queensland. “The initiatives will pay dividends down the track as the push for better cultural understanding will have a positive flow on effect in both Australia and the Philippines”, Ms da Cunha said.

During the Mission, the CCIAP has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Management Association of the Philippines and a Sister Chamber agreement with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Mission’s success was possible because of the significant contribution of Dr. Oscar Torralba, Vice Chair, Management Association of the Philippines, ABCD Committee and Mr. Geronimo Sta. Ana,

Governor, Bureau of Investment, Department of Trade and Industry. The contribution of His Excellency Ambassador de Leon, Philippine Embassy, Canberra and his office ensured the Delegation had received a VIP reception at NAIA upon their arrival.

Delegation members included in several photos: Ms. Connie da Cunha (CCIAP President and Mission Head) Ms. Gina Luck (Luxe Care Collection Australia Pty Ltd); Mr and Mrs Peter and Adriana Shepard (Adna Living Water); Mr. Allan Sheppard (Griffith University); Mr. Jachin Navarro (Navarro Enterprises Pty Ltd); Mrs. Kay Ganley (Charlton Brown); Mrs Luz Sheppard (LD Sheppard & Associates Pty Ltd); Mr. Wayne Harrison (Australian Immigration Visas); Mr. Manuel Paneda (Mell Accounting Plus); Atty. Annabelle Havelock (Annabelle Havelock Migration Agency); and, Atty. Ainsleigh Cartwright (Annabelle Havelock Migration Agency)