By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat Some 89 construction companies from Zhejiang, eastern province from China, are seeking cooperation with Filipinos and investment opportunities in new areas for the first time. Xie Kang, chairman of the Philippine-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, told reporters that more than 200 businessmen from the 89 well-known Zhejiang-based construction firms are attending the 30th Philconstruct at the World Trade Center. The Zhejiang International Trade Exhibition 2019 is one big component at the 30th Philconstruct. According to Xie, aside from promoting their products these Chinese firms are seeking business opportunities in food, construction, architecture and interior design. “These firms are encouraged following the signing of business cooperation contracts signed between President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping in Beijing,” he said. As a result, the Zhejiang International Trade Exhibition is participating for the first time at the annual Philconstruct. Xie also said they are looking at their annual participation in the country’s number one construction show. Philconstruct attracts buyers from several countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Korea, Japan and other countries and regions. Multiple forum are held during the show, which is considered as the number one sourcing event for construction engineers, real estate developers, designers, decoration firms, and building materials associations. Many Zhejiang enterprises have already initial talks with local firms. These Chinese firms also consider the Philippine trading environment safe with efficient procedures for international trading. Xie, who owns two food factories producing canned beans and black duck food, said Zhejiang firms will put more focus on the Philippine market in the next few years. Some of the Zhejiang firms at this year’s Philconstruct include Zhejiang Pujiang Meihua Lock Industry Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Shuaikang Electric Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Moorescu Sanitary Equipment Co., Ltd.