China is considering Ilocos Norte as a potential place for investments as the Asian giant expressed willingness to partner with local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines, starting with the President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s home province.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian made the pronouncement after participating in an investment conference in the province, where various Philippine government officials and Filipino-Chinese and Chinese businessmen also attended.
According to Huang, the conference he took part in "will guide and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and seek opportunities" there.
"I have visited Ilocos Norte before and was impressed by its marvelous scenery, intelligent and hard-working people, and rich resources," he said.
Thus, he said, China is willing to work with the Philippines to deepen cooperation with local governments, explore investment opportunities, enhance trade and economic exchanges, and bring more tangible benefits to their citizens.
Currently, China and the Philippines agreed to bolster ties on agriculture, infrastructure, energy and people-to-people.