The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou is pushing for deeper economic and trade cooperation with Guangdong province, targeting increased investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and the digital economy.
Speaking at a regional seminar organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Province and the Guangdong Overseas Friendship Association, Philippine Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas highlighted the critical role the Chinese province plays in bilateral relations. Guangdong remains the largest provincial trading partner of the Philippines in China.
The event, titled “Boost Economic and Trade Cooperation between Guangdong and ASEAN Countries,” gathered officials from all 8 Association of Southeast Asian Nations consulates general in Guangzhou, provincial leaders, and business stakeholders to discuss new economic partnerships.
Arribas cited the need to expand market access for Philippine products, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
On the sidelines of the seminar, Arribas met with Communist Party of China Guangdong Provincial Committee Standing Committee Member and Guangdong Overseas Friendship Association president Wang Xi.
The two officials discussed strengthening people-to-people ties, closer economic cooperation, and coordination for upcoming regional events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen.
Philippine trade attaché Froilan Pamintuan also attended the seminar as part of the Philippine delegation.
The Philippine Consulate General said it will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Guangzhou in 2027, marking three decades of economic and diplomatic partnership with the province.
