MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO FURTHER ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN FILIPINO AND AMERICAN BUSINESSES -- US Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Southeast Asia John Goyer and PCCI President George T. Barcelon shake hands after signing the MOU on July 13, 2023. Also in photo are Assistant Secretary General for International and Regional Affairs Edwin Glindro; Chairman for International Affairs Jude Aguilar; Honorary Chairman and Treasurer Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr.; DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual; Vice-President for Regional Affairs Consul Nina Mangio; and Honorary Chair and Past President/Adviser Alegria Sibal-Limjoco.
During the meeting, the two chambers conveyed their shared interests in working together to to pursue economic cooperation initiatives. The meeting was highlighted by a landmark signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PCCI and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The MOU covers the development of important sectors such as ICT, innovation, the digital economy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, franchising, services, human resources and SME development, among others. The two chambers will create an investment alliance that will take the lead in implementing joint activities such as organizing or hosting outbound and inbound trade and investment missions. Barcelon stressed the timeliness and significance of the new collaboration. For his part, Goyer emphasized the evident momentum of renewed cooperation between the two sides and stressed the importance of finding new ways of working together. For his part, Pascual welcomed the joint efforts of the two chambers in this endeavor.