11 May 2006 – Philippine Ambassador-designate to Ankara, Turkey Bahnarim A. Guinomla reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a 25-member business delegation representing various Turkish industries is visiting the Philippines from 9 – 14 May 2006 to explore business prospects in the country.

Ambassador-designate Guinomla said that the businessmen, most of whom are based in Ankara and Istanbul, represent sectors including food, machinery, ceramics, construction, textiles, carpets, shoes, hazelnuts and car tires.

The Ambassador-designate, who arrived in Ankara on 27 April 2006 following the completion of his tour of duty in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said in a send-off reception held for the delegation, “I am extremely delighted at the visit of the delegation to Manila, which is taking place just a few days after my arrival in Ankara.”

During the reception, Ambassador-designate Guinomla informed his guests that the prospects for improved RP-Turkish trade are bright considering a 30% increase in the trade volume between the two countries from 2004 to 2005.

Consul General Alfonso Ver assisted the Ambassador-designate in briefing the delegation members on the trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines. They were also handed brochures including one on doing business in the Philippines in the Turkish language.

Ambassador-designate Guinomla reported that the business group will be accompanied by Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Istanbul Rasim Zaimoglu.

Ambassador-designate Guinomla had asked Honorary Consul Zaimoglu to assist the delegation members and help ensure the success of the trip so that more such visits will be organized in the future.

The Ambassador-designate has likewise requested DFA-Mindanao and regional consular offices (RCOs) in the southern Philippines to invite businessmen from the southern regions to meet with their Turkish counterparts at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel from 11 – 12 May 2006.  END