So what if this meeting was held on Friday the 13th?

The successful meeting proved that “Friday the 13” superstition did not work, the present worldwide financial conditions made the Indian sellers and the Filipino importers more determined to succeed, and that Asia is the next hub of worldwide activities. The sleeves have been rolled up for business.

The Indian delegation of CHEMEXCIL, headed by its leader Mr. S.G. BHARDI, met the Filipino importers at Hotel Renaissance Makati Hotel at a meeting organized by PIBC. It was followed by a one on one meeting with various businessmen. The delegation started their tour with Indonesia as the first stop and Malaysia as the final destination. The next country they are headed for is Vietnam.

Philippines India Business council is part of PCCI. Acting Chairman of PIBC Johnny Chotrani welcomed the guests, government officials and other VIP’s. He pointed out the determination of the Indian exporters, and the Philippines buyers, made this meeting a success. So what if there is a financial crisis? The sooner we stop using it as a speed barrier, the more speed of success we can achieve. How true.

CHEMEXCIL or Chemical Export Council India Limited is an association of Chemical manufacturers in India. Mr. Bharadi is the Assistant Director. India traded US$ 35 Billion worth of Chemicals and 9 billion of it were exported in 2008. By 2010 to 2012 it could hit up to 60 Billion dollars. Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics export Promotion Council or CHEMEXCIL was established in India in 1963 with the export thrust as its main mission. You may log on to www.chemexcil.gov.in for more details.

Ambassador of India Hon. Rajeet Mitter informed that the last four years had seen a 100% jump in total Philippine India trade. The present volume of 800 Million US$ will definitely hit US$ 1 billion by 2010, if not this year. The will create history and will be the first in the history of Philippines India.

The Philippine government was duly represented by director Senen M. PERLADA, on behalf of DTI / Bureau of Export Trade Promotion. He welcomed the delegation and is very confident of India as a trading partner. He stated that India’s economy will definitely help the Philippines and hence business must be expanded between both the nations. He clarified that he is in charge of Philippine exports and despite this he is the one assigned to the meeting. Chemical comprised the main inputs of Philippines agriculture exports and so encouraging better quality and cheaper priced Indian chemicals would help export of the Philippines much more. This is definitely a far sighted thinking and the DTI should be saluted for this.

Chemical Industries Association of the Philippines President Roberto F. BATUNGBACAL welcomed the Indian delegation and believed that we have big prospects and must be looked into. Philippines traded about $ 44 Million in imports while US$ 8M was exported. India has strong niche in some areas in chemicals while Philippines have some strong valuable niche. Both countries have a consummative market and chemicals play an important part. Packing, packaging and sachets are used more often now in the urban growth area and Philippines and India have great urban areas. Both countries have great English speaking pool of talents.
The closing remark was given by Marivel S. CARANDANG, vice chairman, Int. Trade affairs of PCCI.

Dr. Dario C. SABULARSE, deputy executive director of “Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority of the Philippines” [Dept. of Agriculture] was a no show possibly because of the traffic. The Indian Chamber of Commerce was represented by its President Ram Sitaldas, Corpsec Lal Chatlani and IPP Vishnu Hathiramani. Ashok Warrier, second secretary of the Indian Embassy, presented gifts to some of the speakers. Light snacks and coffee were served followed by a delicious lunch.

Congratulations to International Buyer-Seller Meeting organizers, delegates, participants and guests.