Indonesians eye ‘union’ with RP furniture sector

INDONESIA found Cebu-made furniture displayed at Asean summit venues “impressive.”

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 Director Asteria Caberte said the sentiment caused Indonesian officials, who attended the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit, to propose the integration of Indonesia’s raw materials supply sector with Philippine furniture makers.

“Indonesia is strong on raw materials (supply) while the Philippines is strong in craftsmanship. That is why they have plans to integrate with us,” Caberte told Sun.Star Cebu.

She commended the 24 members of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF) for lending P25 million worth of furniture pieces to furnish the rooms and lounges of the different Asean summit venues.

“I extend full appreciation to CFIF and the business community for the support. It is a great mileage for the sector,” she said.
Earlier, CFIF president Michael Basubas said industry players are hoping to capture a good market in the Asean region following Cebu’s “successful” hosting of the summit.

Caberte said apart from local furniture, foliage, coconut and marine products from Capiz province are drawing “bright” prospects especially in the Chinese market.

She said Central Visayas products like mangoes and guitars from Cebu, and peanut kisses from Bohol will have a stronger demand in the Asean region and in China.

One of the highlights of the summit was the economic cooperation agreement between Asean and China that aims to open market access in the agriculture and service sectors.

Caberte said even the country’s bio-fuel industry will soon be an attractive investment.

Meanwhile, Caberte said spouses of the different ministers and heads of state were also “amazed” at the Cebuanos’ display of hospitality throughout the summit’s duration.

She said that during the spouses’ tour, local residents lined up the ceremonial routes leading to Magellan’s Cross and Colon St., Cebu City to greet the spouses of Asean heads of state.

“The spouses were really impressed by the heritage sites, festival presentations, the tokens they received, and most especially the warmth of the Cebuanos,” said Caberte, who heads the committee on gifts and souvenirs for the Asean summit.

Cebuano delicacies like dried and fresh mangoes, Bohol’s peanut kisses and kalamay, piña barongs from Kalibo, mother of pearl caviar sets, fashion accessories and table items, were among the tokens given to Asean delegates.

According to Caberte, the January summit proved to be a great opportunity for Cebu to establish its presence in the global community.

She said the adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Abe described it as the “best summit, so far.”

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph