“This in turn will provide jobs and inclusive growth, create opportunities for smaller businesses, and eliminate poverty and hunger. It will eventually bring the Philippines to upper middle income level”– H.E. Franz Jessen, Ambassador/Head, EU delegation to the PH

A formidable business gem that serves as stepping stone for market accessibility between the Philippines and Europe, and vice versa has been working for the longest time without much fanfare.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), on its toes since it established its foothold in the country in 1978 has empowered the EU-PH business community like no other.

In fact, the ECCP, serving as the primary conduit in fostering close economic ties and business relations between the two countries has expanded its foothold outside of Metro Manila.

It has now branched out in the Visayas and Mindanao, providing a wide ranging partnership with local private enterprises, non-profit organizations, industry associations, international donor organization and government agencies in implementing programs and projects that would push further the country’s competitiveness in the global market.

The ECCP, ably led by Guenter Taus, is following its roadmap of business excellence by deeply involving itself in advocacies that make the country a more competitive destination for local and foreign investments.

Looking forward, the ECCP, with its burning desire to make an indelible mark in EU-PH business partnership, has remained committed in the facilitation of market access and the creation of level playing for both local and foreign businesses.

That said, today’s projects themes of ECCP include a wide range of business engagements like private sector development, trade and investment promotions, good governance, resource efficiency and clean production, environment and climate protection, among others.

Joanne Natindim, branch representative for Northern Mindanao says ECCP has outlined projects that involve sectors in agriculture, automotive, consumer goods and retail, renewable energy, environment, food and beverages, financial services, health care, human resources, infrastructure and transportation, manufacturing, maritime and tourism.

ECCP welcomes the local business community to its fold, providing a wide range of benefits that include ECCP membership certificate, priority invitations to VIP functions, networking events and other ECCP corporate activities, among others.

Initially listed as new ECCP members from Cagayan de Oro are SEDA Hotel, Slers and Sharp Travel.

Like the homegrown singer Ms. Natindim, one of the great voices of Xavier University Glee Club, the ECCP serves as the voice of EU business in the Philippines.

Indeed, engaging the business agenda for Mindanao courtesy of ECCP is a rare and beneficial aura worth the taking – today and the years ahead. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo.com)
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Article was originally published on September 25, 2018 at Mindanao Daily News Online