In a significant step toward advancing global competitiveness, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President, Jay Y. Yuvallos, along with Vice President for International Affairs Pedro Delantar, met earlier today with Ms. Yuki Kawamuto and Mr. Kenjie Horie, Senior Manager of the International Division of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), to discuss CCCI’s role in the East Asia Business Council (EABC) through the East Asia Connect Program.
This productive meeting underscored CCCI’s commitment to empowering its members through strategic advocacy, collaboration, and strong global linkages. The East Asia Connect Program, a key initiative under the EABC, is designed to bridge business opportunities, foster regional synergies, and facilitate seamless cross-border collaboration between ASEAN nations and East Asia, with a specific focus on Japan.
CCCI’s participation in the East Asia Connect Program aligns with the Chamber’s goal of providing its members with valuable opportunities for international partnerships, trade growth, and enhanced business capacity within the dynamic East Asian market.
The East Asia Business Council (EABC) has long played a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation and regional trade in East Asia, connecting business leaders from ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea. The EABC fosters closer ties between ASEAN and East Asia through dialogue, business matching, and policy advocacy.
The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), one of the most prominent business hubs in Asia, has a long history of facilitating international trade relations, particularly between Japan and neighboring regions. Through the East Asia Business Council, TCCI provides a collaborative platform for enterprises to explore trade, investment, and technological partnerships.
The partnership between CCCI and JCCI is expected to unlock new doors for collaboration, innovation, and trade. Both organizations see the Philippines, particularly Cebu, as holding significant business potential for Japanese investors. Strengthening these ties is a strategic move to open up new opportunities for regional and international business ventures.
This meeting is part of CCCI’s larger program of empowering its members through advocacy, synergy, and linkages, which are fundamental pillars of the Chamber’s mission. Fostering international partnerships aligns perfectly with CCCI’s vision to be the engine of Cebu’s business growth and to drive the region toward global competitiveness.
By creating strong linkages with established trade partners like Japan, CCCI ensures that Cebu remains a key player in the global business arena, opening access to new markets and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
As a continuation of these efforts, a CCCI Trade Mission to Tokyo will take place from February 25 to 27, where a 45-delegation of Cebu business leaders will engage with Japanese companies and explore potential collaborations. This mission will provide a hands-on opportunity for CCCI members to build on the discussions from today’s meeting and strengthen their business ties with one of Asia’s most influential markets.
The partnership between CCCI and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to lead to increased business-to-business collaboration, enhanced knowledge transfer, and greater investment opportunities for Cebu-based enterprises looking to expand their reach.
As the meeting concluded, both sides expressed optimism about the future potential of the East Asia Connect Program. This partnership will likely pave the way for joint initiatives, including trade missions, business matching events, and policy dialogues aimed at unlocking new growth prospects for businesses in Cebu and across the East Asia region.
With strengthened ties through the East Asia Business Council, this collaboration will be a pivotal moment in CCCI’s ongoing efforts to foster global business linkages, elevate its advocacy initiatives, and create sustainable business growth for its members.
The Cebu Chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to its mission, striving to create opportunities that help Cebu’s businesses scale globally, ensuring that its members not only remain competitive but thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
