CEBU, Philippines - A high-ranking Chinese official paid a courtesy call to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday with the hope of strengthening all the more the bilateral ties between China and the province of Cebu.
Madame Gu Xiulian, president of the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations, together with officials of key Chinese cities which have established friendship cities with the Philippines paid a visit at the office of the governor yesterday morning.
“It is indeed a wise decision to come to Cebu because you are an important part of the economic progress of the Philippines,” Gu said after Garcia briefed her of the different economic and tourism developments of the province.
Garcia told Gu how Cebu continues to boom, specifically in the field of tourism, despite the global economic crunch. She also expressed optimism that the tourism industry here will continue to thrive with the surge of Chinese tourists.
In reply, Gu said that tourism, among others, is a key area where Cebu and China can complement each other and establish further ties.
“China and the ASEAN are one so we should promote tourism, among other areas,” Gu said in a conversation with Garcia.
Gu also said that she would like to learn more of the province’s code on the protection of women and how Cebu currently promotes women welfare and empowerment.
Aside from being the former vice chairwoman of the Chinese People’s Congress-Standing Committee, the very first lady governor of Jiangsu Province and the former chief of the Ministry of Chemical Industry, Gu is also president of the All-China Women’s Federation.
Garcia said that Gu’s visit in Cebu is significant because it recognizes the sister province agreement of Cebu with at least three provinces in China.
According to statistics from the office of the Philippine consultant in Shanghai, the trade volume between China and the Philippines reached $17.56 billion in 2005 in favor of the Philippines.
Both countries aim to reach a bilateral trade volume worth $30 billion next year.
Twenty-five friendship cities were created between the two countries that include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Yangzhou and Liuzhou, while Philippine cities with current tie-ups include Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Marikina. — Garry B. Lao/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)