BEIJING, 22 August 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Beijing, together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Beijing, co-organized the Philippines-China Cooperation Forum with the China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) and the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee on 22 August 2022 at the chancery. The forum, which focused on the trade and investment prospects in both the Philippines and China, gathered around 200 online participants.

Senior Philippine officials, Chinese industry experts, key industry leaders and entrepreneurs shared valuable insights on investment opportunities and enhanced cooperation between the Philippines and China.

Mr. Dinno M. Oblena, Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, welcomed participants to the forum and highlighted the strengthening of economic relations between the Philippines and China as illustrated by China’s place as top trading partner of the country.

Speakers at the forum included Mr. Sun Xiao, Secretary General of China Chamber of International Commerce, Mr. Xu Ningning, CABC Executive President, Mr. Yang Guoliang, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, and Mr. Glenn G. Peñaranda, Acting Undersecretary/Officer-in-Charge of Trade Promotion Group of the Department of Trade and Industry. They focused on developing and deepening economic relations and cooperation between the Philippines and China, as well as the need for economic complementarity between the two countries.

Ms. Evariste Catagan, Executive Director of the Investments Promotion Services of the Board of Investments, in her keynote speech, highlighted the attractive features of the Philippine economy for Chinese investors and indicated the Philippines’ readiness to welcome more Chinese companies to make the Philippines their home, calling them to invest in the Philippines and to “Make it Happen in the Philippines”.

On the other hand, Mr. Yang Kun, Executive Vice Chairman of China Electricity Council, Mr. Zheng Xiaoyi, Deputy Mayor of Jiangmen City, China, and Mr. Chen Kuan, Vice Mayor of Wenzhou City, China, and Mr. Wang Jiwu, Chairman of Tus-Holdings Co., Ltd shared what their respective cities and companies can offer to the Philippine side, and proposed possible areas of cooperation. With the hope to be the gateways for Philippine investments in China, they also expressed hope to increase cross border trade, logistics, and services with the Philippines.

Mr. Emannuel W. Ang, Commercial Counsellor, PTIC-Beijing delivered the closing remarks for the forum.

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