Japanese Chamber in Davao
It was a landmark event on 31 March 2007 when a new organization that can promote more business and industry between Japan and the island of Mindanao was inaugurated at the Davao Convention & Trade Center. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao, Inc. (JCCM) held a prestigious debut and was formally introduced to Davao’s business community last Saturday. It was a well-attended affair, participated in by some of Davao’s who’s-who in business and government.
The new Chamber’s officers and directors were sworn in by Hon. Prospero “Boy” Nograles, the incumbent majority floor leader of the House of Representatives (as the Japanese hosts couldn’t help repeating throughout the event); and by Atty. Domingo Duerme, the current president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Other prominent figures were also in attendance, some flying in from the capital and even from Japan.
It is good for Davao and Mindanao that we now have a Japanese Chamber here. Somehow it hearkens back to the time before World War II when the Japanese were well-established traders and merchants in Davao. It was a time before the atrocities by which the war is now dimly remembered. Hopefully this Chamber can help in improving the image of our Japanese friends who live in and around our city.
According to one of JCCM’s directors, Mr. Naoki Tsutsui, one of the main objectives of the Chamber is to encourage healthy commerce between Japan and the Philippine South. This is certainly very welcome, especially for local companies who are into export, information technology, and such businesses as can offer something to the Japanese market.
Currently only Japanese companies based in Davao form the initial membership of JCCM. From what I know, these are exporters, a second-hand computer dealership, an I.T. company, among others. However, the Chamber’s treasurer, Mr. Noriyuki Katayama, did announce that membership is open to Filipino companies as well. Associate members are also welcome. (The Chamber’s contact details: 228-6760; info_at_jccm_dot_jp; 2/F G&F Bldg. 41-A, Km 5 Buhangin, Davao City.)
JCCM joins the ranks of the American, Chinese and European chambers of commerce who each have a presence in Davao. Its entry signals to the world that our city has indeed matured as a viable investment destination. The establishment of the Japanese Chamber is a remarkable display of confidence in our region. On the other hand, it should also be viewed as a challenge to us to continue along the path of responsible economic development.
