The business community in Cebu is actively seeking to forge stronger commercial links with Ukraine, marking a strategic shift towards diversifying partnerships beyond conventional markets. This initiative focuses on expanding trade, technology sharing, and investment opportunities, according to leaders of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
Building Bridges for Mutual Benefit
Pedro "Pete" Delantar, the CCCI Vice President for International Affairs, revealed that officials from Ukraine have initiated contact to assess the interest of Cebuano companies. The outreach, conducted through the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila, is part of Kyiv's broader effort to engage with Asian business chambers more deeply.
"The Ukrainian government, through its embassy, has reached out to gauge the interest of Cebu's business groups," Delantar confirmed. He added that Ukrainian representatives are eager to establish direct channels with organizations like the CCCI to pinpoint sectors where both sides can gain from trade, technological collaboration, and knowledge transfer.
Agriculture and Tech: Prime Areas for Collaboration
Despite the geopolitical situation, Delantar identified Ukraine as a significant actor in several strategic industries. He highlighted agriculture as a natural foundation for cooperation, given Ukraine's status as one of the world's top exporters of wheat and agricultural inputs.
"Agriculture is a clear entry point," Delantar stated. He pointed out that Ukraine has developed advanced farming and aquaculture technologies—adapted for a cold climate—that could potentially be modified for use in the Philippine setting, offering gains in food security and modern farming efficiency.
Beyond agriculture, Delantar noted Ukraine's expanding prowess in fields like artificial intelligence and software development. This opens doors for Cebu-based IT firms, digital solution providers, and innovation-driven enterprises to explore meaningful partnerships.
A Pragmatic and Safety-Conscious Approach
CCCI President Jay Yuvallos emphasized that Cebu businesses are growing more receptive to ventures in emerging and non-traditional markets. However, he stressed that any partnerships must be strategic and comply with international safety and trade norms.
"Our approach is pragmatic," Yuvallos explained. "We concentrate on industries where Cebu possesses competitive advantages and where collaborations can yield concrete benefits—be it in agriculture, technology, or skills exchange—while staying aware of the global landscape."
The chamber outlined that initial engagements with Ukraine will likely utilize internationally coordinated platforms. These include virtual exchanges, institutional cooperation, and carefully arranged trade missions when circumstances permit.
The interest in strengthening relations was highlighted by the recent official visit of Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv to Cebu in December 2025. This marked her first trip to the province, where she met with officials from Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, and the provincial government.
Supporting these efforts locally, businessman Curtis Go, identified as Ukraine's partner in Cebu, committed to working with both public and private stakeholders. His goal is to advance partnerships that could create new economic and cultural connections between the Philippines and Ukraine.
