THE La Cámara (Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation in the Philippines Inc.), in collaboration with the Dutch, French, German, Italian and British chambers, recently held its fifth speed-networking night, which was one of the biggest networking events of the year.
The chamber was founded on July 16, 1899, shortly after the American occupation of Manila. As one of the first established in the Philippines, La Cámara aims to increase business opportunities among its members, as well as perpetuate business ties and economic conditions that have existed for centuries between Spain and the Philippines.
La Cámara is made up of both corporate partners and individual members with an interest of fostering economic relations between both countries. The profile of its members are diverse: Spaniards who have established their businesses in the Philippines, those looking for new business opportunities or expanding their companies in the archipelago, and even the ones who simply feel attracted by its culture and historical ties with their motherland.
There are also Filipino societies and individuals, as well as other nationalities whose businesses have a representation in Spain, or are interested in expanding to the Spanish market. Several of its partners are associated by the attraction they feel toward the Philippines, or the blood ties that they may have.
The speed-networking night was well represented with the presence of chamber heads Bas Hugendort (Dutch), Cristina Raya (Spanish), Vanessa Hans (French), Lorenz Ziller (Italian), Ariana Salazar (German) and Sarah McLeod Trestee (British). Atty. Tony Abad hosted the event.