GOVPH

THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN MONGOLIA EMPOWERED THROUGH FINANCIAL EDUCATION

17 November 2024, ULAANBAATAR—The growing community of Filipinos in Mongolia gathered to attend a financial education seminar hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.

With 72 Filipinos in attendance, Deputy Chief of Mission Arnel G. Talisayon led the participants through a series of discussions and practical workshops on topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing and advertising, and financial freedom and planning. He emphasized the importance of the community working towards financial security for themselves even as they secure their families back home—a common challenge for overseas Filipino workers.

The Filipino community was actively engaged throughout the program, having opportunities to draw up hypothetical business plans, to try their hand in creating their own brands, and to learn about various methods to save and invest in preparation for retirement.

The Philippine Embassy also maximized the platform to extend free consular services and guidance to the participants that required them. END.

Disaster preparedness–and turon–feature in ASEAN-China event

     (Photo courtesy: ASEAN-China GBA and the ASEAN-China Centre)

13 November 2024, Shenzhen – Noting that the Philippines and Southern China share similar challenges in addressing the impact of typhoons, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing encouraged private sector collaboration on disaster preparedness during the 2024 ASEAN-China Greater Bay Area Economic Cooperation Forum, held in the Guangdong Province of China.

The Forum included a weeklong Food and Cultural Week, which for the Philippines featured its beloved turon or deep-fried banana, to celebrate the partnership between China and the ten member-states of ASEAN.

Mr. Arnel G. Talisayon, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy, highlighted the country’s efforts to develop more climate- and disaster-resilient technologies and provide STI-based services for early warning, disaster preparedness, and mitigation.

He also encouraged companies to invest in sectors such as renewable energy, green metal processing, electric vehicle battery and assembly, and agriculture, among others.

“The Philippines has crafted new laws to increase incentives for foreign investors… and continues to enhance ease of doing business by streamlining government processes and making transactions accessible online,” he said, adding that the Philippines is rich in green metals–important raw materials in the manufacture of advanced IT equipment–and emphasizing the steady growth of the country’s IT infrastructure.

Recognizing the importance of the Greater Bay Area in advancing regional cooperation on science, technology, innovation and digital economy, Mr. Talisayon reaffirmed the country’s intent to maximize the opportunities of the ASEAN-China FTA.

The Forum, which attracted hundreds of participants including business leaders, chambers of commerce, thinktanks, and government officials from ASEAN and China, was held with the support of the ASEAN-China Center. Its partner, the Qianhai International Cooperation Center, sponsored the ASEAN Food and Cultural Week as part of the event, allowing locals to get a taste of famous snacks from each ASEAN member-country.(30)

"FOODPhilippines" EXHIBIT SEEN TO BOOST TRADE IN FOOD WITH CHINA

6 November 2024, Shanghai - Under the banner "FOODPhilippines," 16 Philippine companies promote Philippine fruits and other food products in the 7^th China International Import Expo (CIIE) being held in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November 2024.

The CIIE, one of China's biggest trading platforms and the world's first import-themed national-level expo,provides participating companies access to matchmaking activities with enterprises from across China, comprising an estimated 150,000 domestic and foreign professional purchasers.

Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz, who headed the Philippine delegation composed of officials from DTI, DA, CITEM, and the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, opened the Philippine Pavilion that featured fresh fruits, such as bananas, pineapples, coconuts and durian, as well as other food products and animation services from the Philippines.

Building on the success of the previous participation, the Philippine Pavilion put a spotlight on Puyat, the country’s homegrown variety of durian, by featuring a “Durian Nook.” Participants also expressed interest in accessing the Chinese market for mangosteen.

In his interview with the China Media Group, Ambassador FlorCruz stated, “Since the Philippines started participating in the inaugural of the CIIE in 2018, we have seen a steady and substantial year-on-year growth in export sales.”

“With the quality and profile of this year's food products, I hope to see the continued increase of Philippine exports to China and greater visibility of Filipino food in the Chinese market," he added.

Ambassador FlorCruz likewise witnessed the signing of an MOU between Liwayway, AGL, Joyvio and Cotti Coffee, on logistics and supply chain cooperation, and Purchase Agreements from Good Farmer and Dole Fresh China, both providing commitments to buy fruits from the Philippines.

Ambassador FlorCruz thanked Liwayway, the foremost Filipino company in China, for its unwavering support and for continuing to inspire Filipinos about the opportunities that can be achieved in China. He also noted the role of the CIIE in serving as an important bridge in the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.

Liwayway has established a foothold in China and gained popularity with its snack brand Oishi since its entry into the Chinese market in the 1990s, just as China was opening up. It currently operates 12 factories in different parts of China.

Oishi’s tagline in Mandarin -- “Shanghaojia!” -- means “topmost, best, excellent.” Oishi also means “delicious” in Japanese. Oishi’s vast reach and popularity in China show that it has lived up to the brand’s expectations.