Guangxi governor to visit Phl to drum up interest

NANNING, China – The governor of Guangxi  province is set to visit the Philippines next month to encourage Filipino businesses to explore opportunities and join an upcoming trade show here.

Wang Lei, vice secretary general of the China - ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Expo Secretariat said in a seminar for visiting journalists, Guangxi Governor Chen Wu would visit three ASEAN countries from July 7 to 16, to drum up interest in the province as well as on China-ASEAN Expo to be held here in September.

The Philippines is the first country to be visited by the official.

“It (visit) will be to promote Guangxi and China-ASEAN Expo,” Wang said.

“There will be a meeting with leading entrepreneurs in the Philippines,” he added.

He noted that Chen is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

He also said Chen intends to meet with President Aquino or Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Chen wants to encourage Filipino firms to look at opportunities in Guangxi, as well as consider taking part in the China-ASEAN Expo to strengthen the economic ties with other countries.

The China-ASEAN Expo held every year since 2004 in Nanning, Guangxi,  is a platform for economic and trade exchanges to further promote the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area and provide opportunities for cooperation and development for all sides.

The expo features products, advanced techonologies and services from China and the ASEAN.

The expo likewise serves as a venue to present investment opportunities and policies.

In this year’s China-ASEAN Expo, the Philippines has been named as Country of Honor.

As Country of Honor, the Philippines would arrange programs to promote the country such as food festivals and art shows during the expo.