In a pivotal move to attract international investors, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro met with officials from the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) to explore promising investment and tourism opportunities for the province. The courtesy visit, held on September 19, underscores Cebu’s renewed commitment to becoming a leading hub for business, tourism, and innovation in the Philippines.
Governor Baricuatro assured the ECCP delegation of Cebu’s strong dedication to creating an investor-friendly environment. “Cebu is now open to do business with you,” she said. “We are working hard to make processes more efficient and investor-friendly to create an environment where European businesses can thrive.”
The ECCP, a multilateral chamber with over 900 members, serves as a vital bridge between European and Philippine markets. The delegation was led by Consul Jochen Bitzer of the Federal Republic of Germany, along with ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein and key leaders from Cebu’s business sectors, representing women in business, education, ICT, and foreign investments.
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the strong interest expressed by European businesses in establishing pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Cebu. Governor Baricuatro welcomed the proposal, recognizing the potential to align the initiative with her ongoing healthcare agenda for the province. She assured the delegation that the Cebu Provincial Government stands ready to provide full support in this endeavor.
“We are excited about the potential of the pharmaceutical sector in Cebu,” Governor Baricuatro said. “This is a huge opportunity to not only boost our economy but to contribute to improving healthcare access and services for our people.”
The Governor also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) as a means to accelerate economic development. She emphasized Cebu’s wealth of young, creative talents in diverse fields such as technology and innovation, which could provide valuable resources for European companies looking to invest and establish operations in the province.
In closing, Governor Baricuatro reiterated that Cebu is committed to forging stronger ties with international businesses, particularly from Europe, to stimulate growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for all Cebuano residents. “Our province is open and eager to collaborate with businesses and investors from around the world to bring lasting benefits to our people,” she said.
This meeting marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Cebu, as it opens its doors to a wider range of investment opportunities, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and tourism.
