At least 300 participants are expected to attend an upcoming business summit her e that seeks to improve regional trade

activities in the 27-nation European Unio n (EU) and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Cherrylin Marie Espinosa, president of the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Ind ustry, said Monday they are hoping to establish further access to the EU market and other trading countries within the ASEAN through the 1st Soccsksargen Busine ss Summit. The summit, which is slated on July 28-31 in this city, focuses on the theme Socc sksargen: Your Gem of Opportunity Building Capacity Towards Harmonious Global Ec onomic Partnership. Espinosa said Soccsksargen, also known as Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao, ha s great trade potentials because it is the southern backdoor for domestic and int ernational trade. The region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudara t and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Soccsksargen s major export products over the years have been tuna and pineapple, both exported to the EU and the United States in large volumes. This city, touted as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, has air and sea ports es sential for the movement of people, goods and services.