Capitol aid sought for biz confab

Now that the Capitol impasse is over, officials of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) found it ripe to call on the governor in her office.

Business leaders yesterday met Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale to seek the Capitol’s help in financing  Cebu’s hosting of the 27th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry to be  next month.

CCCI president Prudencio Gesta said the event set on March 14 and 15 at the Radisson Blu Hotel would be  a rare opportunity for Cebu to market itself as an investment hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said Magpale was supportive but did not  commit a specific amount. “We told her about the initial arrangements we had with (suspended) Governor Gwen  (Garcia) to host a welcome party for at least 500 delegates from Southeast Asia.”

“The acting governor said that the province will still extend that support. She is very open and supportive of  the events,” he said.

“No matter how small, we will always consider the (provincial government) a major partner for the event and for other events like Cebu Business Month and the Chamber’s Centennial celebration this year as well,” Gesta said.

Other LGUs

Gesta said chamber officials will work hard to secure support from other local government units.

“Whatever it is, we should not limit our concern to the financial aspect,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Gesta said CCCI is also seeking support from Cebu City and other Metro Cebu LGUs.

Gesta said the political scenario in the Capitol hasn’t affected business in Cebu.

“As long as  investors make money and they can get a return on their investment, that’s it,” he said.

The business conference will present proposals that would enable each country in the Asian region to be more resilient  in the face of economic downturns and help local businessmen network with counterparts from other countries./Ador Mayol, Aileen Garcia-Yap