Latin America a viable market for PHL goods, says PCCI

Products made in the Philippines could have a viable market in Latin America, particularly if broader economic ties can be forged with Argentina, Brazil and Chile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce said Tuesday.

 

As part of the Mercosur or the Southern Common Market, these countries could be significant doorways for Philippine businesses to gain broader access to the region, said PCCI president Miguel Varela.

 

The chamber intends to stage a series of trade missions to those countries this year, based on business briefings given by the PCCI for companies and entrepreneurs to the market potential of Latin America.

 

Varela cited Argentina as a good market for auto parts assembly made out of coconut by-products, as well as animal feeds, holiday decors, outdoor resort furniture, airconditioners, processed fruits, cosmetics, jewelries and accessories, textile, decorative items, handicrafts and basket wares.

 

For Brazil, an agriculture powerhouse that is part of the BRICS or Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa emerging markets group, construction, jewelries, processed foods, furniture and fruits will find a suitable market.

 

Chile, on the other hand, holds a huge potential for geothermal energry, with the Energy Development Corp. its first investor from the Philippines. 

 

"Despite its relatively small market comprising of 17 million population, Chile is aggressively pushing towards market integration after having already signed 22 free trade agreements with a network of 58 countries," the PCCI official added. —VS, GMA News