Italian businessmen are taking a closer look at the Philippines for possible expansion and investment site in the future, the Trade Department said over the weekend.
“Italy is one of the most eminent countries that have sent an inbound mission to the Philippines. I salute you for making the Philippines a priority,” Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said in his speech before an Italian delegation. The department welcomed the first business mission from Italy’s Confederation of Italian Industries or Confindustria, in 65 years.
Confindustria, Italy’s biggest association of manufacturing and services companies, sent a 21-member delegation to meet with local trade associations such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Italian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines from Nov. 20 to 23.
The Philippine products identified by the government for promotion in Italy are processed marine products, processed fruits and coconut product, costume jewelry and giftware, auto parts, home furnishings, information and communication technology products and services and garments.
Panlilio said the Philippines was experiencing a record breaking number of unbound missions wanting to see up close and personal what the country is all about now. “I believe we are in the radar of every significant country in the world today,” Panlilio said.
Source: Manila Standard Today; Business; 26 November 2012
