MANILA: A delegation composed of 12 South African companies is visiting the country this week to look for business opportunities and local partners, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said.
In a statement yesterday, the PCCI said the delegation which is composed of firms engaged in various businesses, intends to learn about the Philippines’ available opportunities as well as meet with potential partners.
Also part of the delegation is the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency which promotes trade and investment opportunities in the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa.
The PCCI will be hosting a trade and investment forum as well as one-on-one meetings for the delegation on Thursday.
PCCI president Alfredo Yao and Ambassador Martin Slabber of South Africa are expected to discuss the potential for increasing trade and investment flows between the two countries during the forum.
The Department of Trade and Industry is also expected to make a presentation on business opportunities available in the country.
The PCCI which is the country’s largest business organization, is hosting business missions to encourage partnerships between local and foreign firms.
Aside from the promotion of partnerships between local and foreign companies, the PCCI wants to encourage foreign firms to make the Philippines their hub in the Southeast Asian region.
Southeast Asia’s economic integration offers opportunities for businesses operating here given the region’s combined consumer market of over 600 million people.
By encouraging partnerships and attracting investments, the PCCI supports the government’s goal of achieving inclusive growth and generating more jobs.