Thursday, June 23, 2011
AMBASSADOR Nikolay Kudashev of the Russian Federation committed to strengthen the trade ties of Russia and the Philippines, saying the country is the ideal destination for Russian investments.
Kudashev said the Philippines has investment potential in technology and business process outsourcing (BPO). He said they are interested in public-private partnership (PPP) in the spheres of energy, transportation, communications, infrastructure development, military exchanges, and military technical cooperation.
As for BPOs, Kudashev praised the country’s growing outsourcing industry. He said BPO skills are one of the treasures of the country, where countries like Russia would be willing to invest.
Both countries pledged to enhance trade linkages. Filipino exporters were also encouraged to view Russia as a potential market for their products, diverging from the traditional export markets.
Russia is currently the country’s 27th largest trading partner. Diplomatic relations were established in 1976.
A photo exhibit depicting milestones of Philippines-Russia relations, in celebration of its 35th year anniversary, was launched on Tuesday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. The photo exhibit will run until June 28.
Kudashev said Cebu, which he described as a “jewel” in the bilateral agreement, is a good partner to improve trade relations with. He cited tourism as one of those sectors that they want to grow.
Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation to the Philippines Armi Lopez-Garcia said tourism and culture are the entry points of trade and investment.
Russian tourist arrivals last year was recorded at 50,000 all over the country, a growth of 200 percent.
“A lot of Russians come here because of the warm hospitality of Filipinos, the good weather and beautiful beaches,” she said.
With the influx of Russian tourists in Cebu, Garcia announced that a short-term course for Russian language will be opened in August at the University of San Carlos. She said it is open to anyone interested to learn the language.
She said the short term course would also enable hotels and hotel and restaurant management (HRM) students to broaden their knowledge and skills in Russian.
“This is one evident partnership with Cebu and the Russian Federation as Russia will be providing materials and professors for the Russian language,” Garcia said.
To increase Russian arrivals in the country, Kudashev said they will also be pushing for more direct flights from Russia to the Philippines next year, with Cebu as a possible destination.
He said the country’s pocket open skies policy will enhance the tourism sectors of both countries. Kudashev said this would further increase the number of Russians visiting the country for vacation.
Currently, Russians fly on their second largest airline TransAero, which launched chartered flights on a Boeing 747 to Cebu from Moscow in November 2010.
“Cebu would be a potential gateway considering the congestion problems at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport,” he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 24, 2011.
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