India and the Philippines have entered a new phase in their economic relations with the volume of trade marking a new milestone. The last fiscal year registered a trade volume in surplus of 3 billion US Dollars. Both India and Philippines are young fast growing democratic economies with immense potential for mutuall bpeneficial collaboration. Several Indian businesses across a range of sectors are already contributing to the positive growth story of the Philippines.

As part of its commercial outreach activities, the Embassy of India in Manila organizes business roadshows in different parts of the Philippines in partnership with the regional business chambers, city administration, and provincial government to explore opportunities for trade and investments as well as to generate awareness and apprise local Government, authorities, businesses and other stakeholders in the Philippines about the successes of the Indian businesses.

(L-R): Puran Prakash Singh, attache for the Economic and Commercial Wing of the Embassy of India, Dr. Sadre Alam, head of the Economic and Commercial Wing and the Chancery of the Indian Embassy, Mr. Benedict Cue, VP for Business Development,Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dileep Tiwari, president of the Indian Business Forum Philippines Association Inc and Aseem Roy, Country Head of Wipro Phils. Inc., and the President of the ITBPO Training Center Cebu IT BP Organization (CIB.O))

India is now coming to Cebu, the hub of commercial activity in Central Visayas. Cebu is the next destination of the Embassy for the India Business Roadshow. The Roadshow will be held in Cebu on 14-15 November 2023. The focus of the Roadshow will be those sectors that hold potential for partnership based on complementary strengths and comparative advantages.

The roadshow is being organized in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and the India Business Forum (IBF). IBF is a non-profit organization which act as a think tank to and voice of the Indian Businesses in the Philippines as well as a focal point for engagement with interested Philippines businesses with the aim of promoting India-Philippines bilateral economic relations.

(L-R) Dileep Tiwari, President of the Indian Business Forum Philippines Association Inc., Dr. Sadre Alam, head of the Economic and Commercial Wing and the Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Manila, Mr. Benedict Cue, VP for Business Development,Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aseem Roy, Country Head of Wipro Phils. Inc., and the President of the ITBPO Training Center Cebu IT BP Organization (CIB.O) & Puran Prakash Singh, attache for the Economic and Commercial Wing of the Embassy of India.

CCCI will mobilize the participation of local businesses from the province. IBF will mobilize participation from the Indian businesses across various sectors. The Embassy is also seeking support from the Cebu Provincial Government as well as the City Government of Cebu, which are essential for the success of the roadshow.

In consultation with CCCI and IBF, the roadshow will focus on the following identified sectors: Agriculture, Energy Infrastructure, Innovative Tech Solutions, IT-BPO/BPM, Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals & Tourism. More than 20-30 Indian businesses in the identified sectors are likely to participate in the roadshow to showcase their products and solutions.

The roadshow will be a 2-Day event and include, inter alia, expert panel discussions, presentations and showcasing by the participating Indian businesses, signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CCCI and IBF and goodwill contribution by the Indian businesses. The Cebu Province Governor and the Cebu City Mayor are expected to grace the roadshow. Relevant stakeholders from across the government, business chambers and media are cordially invited to attend the event.

The 1st edition of the India Business Roadshow in the Philippines was organized in a hybrid format in Baguio City on 28 November 2021 in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) under the Global Biz forum, with active participation from more than 10 Indian businesses. The 2nd India Business Roadshow was held in Davao City on 18 February 2022, with 10 participants from the Indian side and around 100 participants from the Philippines side. The 3rd India Business Roadshow was held in Cagayan de Oro City on 18 May 2022, with 39 participants from the Indian side and 71 participants from the Philippines side. The 4th India Business Roadshow in llocos Norte was held on 27 March 2023, with 16 participants from the Indian side and 139 participants from the Philippines side. Most recently, an India Business Roadshow was held in lloilo on 31 May 2023, with 40 participants from the Indian side and 161 participants from the Philippines side.

CCCI, Visitors from Indian Embassy and members of the Media and blogging community.

The India Business Roadshows have proven to be a practical means to further government to business and business to business engagements between India and the Philippines. It contributes to spreading awareness about business presence and expertise, showcasing of cutting-edge products and solutions, exchange of ideas and business concepts as well as strengthening existing and creating new connections for meaningful economic cooperation.

Lastly, on day 2 of the Indian Business Roadshow, a snippet of Indian Culture and tradition as well as Indian cuisine will be showcase together with Cebuano ways of embracing visitors. Stay tuned in with the Embassy, CCCI and the IBF for more in the coming days.