In a concerted effort to forge stronger bonds between Cebu and Selangor, the Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce (MICC), based in Selangor, recently spearheaded a trade, leisure and friendship mission to the City of Cebu last October 2 to 8, 2024.
A total of 18 delegates from various sectors comprising manufacturing, retail and trade, logistics, tourism, textiles met with the officers of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) as well as the Cebu City Local Government Unit headed by Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.
The Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Selangor (MICC) is a non-governmental organization of Muslim entrepreneurs based in Selangor, Malaysia. Head of delegation, Mr. Tuan Haji Mohd Yahya bin Mat Sahri, Chairman of the MICC, opined that the official visit to Cebu is foster ties of friendship and collaboration in the fields of trade and culture as another important step in strengthening the relations between two regions rich in tradition, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit.
CCCI President Jay Yuvallos shared the various initiatives of the CCCI aimed at promoting economic growth and development in Cebu including the much-anticipated establishment of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) alliance in Cebu as well as opening doors to serving HALAL food, drinks and certified projects from local small and medium entrepreneurs.
Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Selangor is the richest and most populous state. Known as the economic powerhouse of Malaysia with a strategic location bordering Kuala Lumpur. Combines modern development with rich cultural heritage, Selangor is the economic powerhouse of Malaysia, home to key industrial sectors— manufacturing, logistics, services and housed the key Economic Zones: Klang Valley, Port Klang (largest and busiest port in Malaysia), Cyberjaya (technology hub), and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (most connected airport in the Asia-Pacific) contributing 25.9% to the country’s GDP.
As economically progressive and culturally rich cities, both have identified several prospective areas for cooperation, namely trade relations and business matching, Islamic finance and investments, tourism collaboration, Halal-certified product development, digital economy, biotechnology and technology exchange, green initiatives and focus on clean energy, infrastructure as well as cultural exchange and human capital development.
To achieve these goals, Cebu and Selangor have agreed to implement a range of initiatives. These include offering incentives to streamline business operations, organizing trade and investment missions between the two cities, promoting Cebu as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination, supporting Halal certification, encouraging partnerships in infrastructure finance, collaborating in real estate projects, technological development, and fostering educational as well as cultural exchanges.
The official visit provided a platform for open dialogue and networking, enabling delegates to identify potential areas for cooperation and explore ways to enhance business relations between the Philippines and Selangor, Malaysia at large, fostering economic prosperity and cultural understanding.
