Go Negosyo!

A new group comprising Filipino business leaders in Auckland was launched on 5 November 2011. Their main objective is to foster better business relations between New Zealand and Philippines.

The members of the revived New Zealand Philippine Business Council (NZPBC) believe that the link between the two countries will be bridged more effectively with the involvement of enterprising Filipino business people who are already successful in their business endeavours in New Zealand.

The Chairperson of NZPBC, Lito Banal of Kiwi Roofing Ltd says the vision of the group is “to establish a platform that will elevate the level of awareness by New Zealand business of the growing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals in New Zealand.

“The NZPBC aims to enhance the profile of the Filipino migrant and encourage B2B synergies and increased bilateral trade between the Philippines and New Zealand.”

Initially membership to the group will benefit “primarily Filipino business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals.” But at a later stage NZPBC would also be beneficial to any affiliated companies or individuals in New Zea-land and Philippines based businesses.

The group expects to make great strides in the New Year. “Our first concentration is to build up more interest and strengthen our membership,” says Banal. “As this Council will only be as strong as its membership and an active membership will lead to a strong and effective organization.”

Banal feels his group is very unique. “NZPBC is non-political, non-regional and does not identify itself to any particular religion. Expect a lot of positive developments soon.”

Membership to the Council is open to all Filipino business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals who would like to expand their existing networks. More information can be found on this website: www.nzpbc.com

Members of NZPBC include Mercy and Oscar Catoto, directors of Tres Marias Trading Ltd, a highly successful company dealing with Philippine products. The pair says they want to help their fellow Filipinos to develop their businesses here in New Zealand, the same way they have.

They are happy to mentor interested parties and to share their knowledge of the New Zealand market.

Being in business for more than twenty years, they believe they have a good understanding of how to go about establishing a successful business in New Zealand.

Editor:

The NZPBC was first set up in 2008. In congratulating its new set of officers, the Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Virginia H. Benavidez said that in "infusing renewed strength, vim, vigor and vitality in our economic relationship with New Zealand and other stakeholders in the local and regional arenas, the NZPBC is a real mile marker, another significant milestone in our economic horizon.

“We from the Embassy look forward to cooperating and collaborating even more closely with all of you - the backbone and prime movers of our economic diplomacy efforts to boost trade, tourism, investment, services and commercial linkages between the Philippines and our hospitable host country New Zealand."

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to share with the NZPBC a snapshot of the prevailing positive developments in the Philippines. In the words of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Philippines is definitely now open for business.