Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana has encouraged Chinese enterprises to continue looking at business opportunities in the Philippines in an attempt to further strengthen the collaborative ties between the two neighboring countries.
Sta. Romana made the statement during the 8th China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, China early this month.
During the Department of Tourism (DOT)-led conference titled, "The Philippines Awaits: A Conference of Services in Tourism, Business, and Agriculture," Sta. Romana said that the Embassy will work toward boosting partnerships and other collaborative arrangements between Filipino and Chinese businesses.
He added that such promotions in China did not stop even with the emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Embassy and the representative offices of tourism, trade, and investment, and agriculture were unceasing in pursuing promotions in China," he said.
Tourism Attaché Erwin Balane, Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda, and Agriculture Counsellor Ana Abejuela delivered presentations to bring awareness about tourism and trade and investment potentials in the Philippines to the Chinese market.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine-led side event was attended by representatives of various companies in China in the fields of aviation, travel and leisure, information technology, and agriculture.
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT)-Beijing spearheaded the establishment of a Philippine National Pavilion at the CIFTIS showcasing the country’s tourist destinations, trade and investments opportunities, and agriculture products.
Visitors also had an opportunity to interact and network with representatives from Philippine partner agencies at the pavilion.