BAGUIO CITY—South African Ambassador to the Philippines Martin Slabber wants his country to have stronger business ties with their Philippine counterparts in mining, agriculture and tourism to boost the robust economy of both nations.
Slabber met with officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry—Baguio-Benguet Chapter (PCCI-BBC) to enhance future partnerships and trading between the countries.
“We want to keep our doors open to better ties among our local businessmen. Our country is a strong mining nation, which we want to share to our counterparts in the Philippines to make mining vibrant in the coming years,” Slabber stressed.
The ambassador was also open to suggestions from the PCCI-BBC to have a twinning agreement with one of the South African chambers to help boost trade and commerce, especially on food and agriculture.
South Africa is also open for an educational exchange for the youth of both nations to be fully educated in an enhanced international cultural exchange that will make them fully aware of the countries’ socio-economic policies.
South African businessmen are looking to partner with Filipinos to help promote locally produced products in the global market, and for South African products to be given access to international commerce through the Philippines, Slabber said.
Modesto Imayaho, PCCI-BBC president, expressed his gratitude to the South African delegation that visited the city. Local businessmen are optimistic of increasing trade between the two countries and are looking at effectively and efficiently marketing their products abroad.
Joining Imayaho were PCCI-North Luzon Area vice president engineer. Alfonso T. Lao, PCCI-CAR Regional Governor Juan Johnny dela Cruz, and PCCI-BBC’s Board Secretary Tom Panis, Auditor Deimler O. Cuyan, former president Rhodora Ngolob, director Mario Alzona, Jr., and Treasurer Dennis Sy.