Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL JOINS ECONOMIC DELEGATION TO OHIO

The CITCA delegation including Consul General Diano with the officials

of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 25 September 2025– Consul General Melanie Rita Diano, together with Consul Melvin Almonguera, participated in a familiarization trip to Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio on 22–23 September 2025. Organized by the Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association (CITCA), the delegation also included Chicago-based trade and investment representatives from France, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

The trip showcased Ohio’s strategic location, competitive business climate, and low cost of doing business. Briefings by state agency partners – JobsOhio, One Columbus, and REDI Cincinnati – highlighted the government’s support for investments in industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and electric vehicles, energy, chemicals, and financial services, among others.

The delegation visited companies in Ohio – Procter & Gamble, Modula, Inc., and Vega Americas, Inc. – gaining insights into their operations, supply chain strategies, and plans for business expansion. It also visited Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati, and was provided with an overview on their respective international partnership programs and collaborations with industry partners.

The trip also included a meeting with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and participation in its Ohio Future Forum, where Sen. Jon Husted delivered the keynote address who emphasized economic growth and investment opportunities in the state.

During key engagement sessions, the Consul General promoted the Philippines’ thriving industries. The whole trip gave the Philippine Consulate General firsthand insight into Ohio’s investment initiatives, paving the way for mutually beneficial opportunities between the Philippines and the state. END

Consul General Diano and the CITCA delegation with Mr. Brian Hodgett, Vice President

for Community Relations of Procter & Gamble (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano and the CITCA delegation during the tour of Vega Americas,

Inc.’s facility (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano, Consul Almonguera and the rest of the CITCA delegation

with Mr. Orfeo Finocchi, CEO of Modula, Inc. (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano and the CITCA delegation during

its visit to Ohio State University (CITCA photo)

Consul General Diano and Consul Almonguera during the delegation’s meeting

with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce (CITCA photo)