Int’l chamber convention organizers get P3M boost

The Cebu provincial government has committed P3 million in support of the hosting of the 27th Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) on March 14 to 15 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Prudencio Gesta, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said last Monday the chamber, which is organizing the event, initially sought P5 million in fund assistance for the hosting of the international convention next month.

“The province said that they can only commit at most P3 million because they are really tight now. We understand their situation and are already happy that they will be able to still support us,” said Gesta.

The CCCI officials are also requesting financial support from the Cebu City government but the city government has  yet committed to their request as this has   to go through the City Council.

“The sponsorships committee is doing everything to get assistance from the private sectors and local government units for the event which will be a two-day event that will be partcipated in at least 500 participants from the different chamber members in the 27 countries in Asia Pacific,” Gesta said.

theme, topics

The theme for the conference is ‘Asia Pacific: Catalyst to Global Recovery’ and delegates are expected to discuss how businessmen in the region can work closely together with the public sector to sustain economic development, define common opportunities and shared risks as well as problems  amid current uncertainties in the world market, while playing a substantial, constructive and catalytic role in global economic growth.

They have invited experts who would talk about relevant issues in the global economy that will have direct impact on the economy of each participating countries.

Topics include The Euro Debt Crisis and Its Implications for Asian Business, Sustainable Energy Resources and Food Security and the Impact of Bilateral Agreements on Regional Trade and Investments.

According to Gesta, they will be having many breakout sessions on the first day of the conference based on specific interest among members.

“It will include sessions on textiles and garments; tourism; chemicals; food and agriculture, water, energy and environment; contracting and construction, SME development; women entrepreneurship and youth entrepreneurship focusing on trends and developments, problems and prospects for growth in the sectors,” Gesta said.