(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)
