02 March 2016 – In line with the Consulate General’s continuing efforts to intensify economic and business exchanges between the Philippines and Guam, the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, welcomed the officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Makati City (formerly the Makati Chamber of Commerce and Industry) who were part of a business delegation to Guam led by PCCI-Makati President Dr. Luzviminda S. Jose on February 26. The business delegation visited Guam last week to explore business and commercial opportunities with the island that serves as the economic hub of the Western Pacific.
Consul General Marciano R. de Borja presented to the group Guam’s economic viability in view of its proximity to the Philippines, and the presence of 40,000 Filipinos on Guam comprising 26% of the entire population of Guam and tourist arrivals of over a million visitors annually from Japan, Korea, China and Russia.
Aside from tourism, Guam’s economic activity is dependent on the military base on the island. Anticipating that some 5,000 military personnel and their families will be relocating to Guam in the coming months, island infrastructure investment is expected to increase and attendant business opportunities to develop such as franchising, technical & construction services, and health & wellness, among others.
The delegation also met with officials of the Guam Economic Development Authority and members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce. In the evening, Mr. Emelio Uy, one of the more active Filipino-American business leaders on the island, co-hosted with the Consulate General a networking dinner in honor of the PCCI-Makati business delegation. The dinner was attended by government officials, members of the 33rd Guam Legislature, and selected members of the Guam business community.
Consul General de Borja encouraged the businessmen to build contacts and explore potential partnerships, not only with the business community in Guam, but also with the business sector of neighboring islands such as Saipan and Palau. END