Jakarta (Antara News)- The Filipino business community in Indonesia has launched the Philippine Business Club Indonesia (PBCI), a business association representing private sector interests to promote and strengthen business, economic, and socio-cultural ties between the Philippines and Indonesia.

"I am very optimistic about the potential of this business association, and we look forward to the activities and projects that the PBCI will undertake this year and in the coming years to ensure that its members can take advantage of new avenues for trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia," Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta Robert Manalo stated at the launch here recently.

The initiative signals the Filipino communitys greater commitment to building a stronger and strategic relationship with Indonesia.

"Indonesia is the largest market in the ASEAN, representing almost half of its population. With the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community, we are facing a historic opportunity to support a vital and growing Philippine private sector, one whose expanding interests show a more global outlook amid the economic integration in the region," remarked Antonio Capati, chairman of the PBCI.

The PBCI will endeavor to promote, strengthen, and foster cooperation and collaboration among its members in pursuing the commercial and social interactions of companies, individuals, and organizations dedicated to the development of trade, investments, and people-to-people cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia.

The PBCI will work closely with the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Jakarta, business chambers, respective public and private sectors, and other key stakeholders in the Philippines and Indonesia to realize its objectives. The club will host seminars, conferences, trade & investment briefings, trade missions, matchmaking, and networking events.

Additionally, the club will undertake special projects to contribute to business and social development in the Philippines and the ASEAN.

(t. F001/INE)

Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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