Cebu’s business leaders are exploring ways to deepen business-to-business links with Ukraine as local companies look beyond traditional markets to diversify trade, technology and investment partnerships.
Pedro “Pete” Delantar, CCCI vice president for international affairs, said Ukrainian officials have reached out to gauge interest among Cebu-based firms in potential trade exchanges and future business missions as Ukraine’s embassy seeks closer ties with chambers across Asia.
“The Ukrainian government, through its embassy, has reached out to gauge the interest of Cebu’s business groups,” Delantar said, adding that discussions are focused on identifying areas for trade, technology and knowledge exchange.
Any engagement would be structured and cautious, CCCI President Jay Y. Yuvallos said, with Cebu companies weighing opportunities against global conditions and the need to comply with international safety and trade standards.
“Our approach is pragmatic,” Yuvallos said. “We focus on industries where Cebu has competitive strengths and where partnerships can deliver tangible value, whether in agriculture, technology or skills exchange, while remaining mindful of global conditions.”
Delantar said agriculture could be an early area for cooperation, citing Ukraine’s role as a major exporter of wheat and other agricultural products and its development of farming technologies that could have local applications. He also pointed to possible collaboration in aquaculture and modern farming systems, including agri-technology and food security initiatives.
He said Cebu-based companies are also assessing potential partnerships in software and artificial intelligence, areas where Ukraine has a growing talent base and where Cebu firms could pursue joint work in IT services, digital solutions and innovation-driven ventures.
The chamber said initial engagement would likely prioritise internationally coordinated platforms such as virtual exchanges and institutional cooperation, with trade missions considered only when conditions allow.
Momentum for closer ties was reinforced by a recent visit to Cebu by Ukraine’s ambassador to the Philippines, Yuliia Fediv, her first official trip to the province, during which she met local officials across Metro Cebu and the provincial government.
Curtis Go, described as Ukraine’s local partner in Cebu, said he would work with public and private stakeholders to advance economic and cultural linkages, calling the visit a milestone in laying the groundwork for future projects.
Cebu Business News
