In a significant move to bolster economic diplomacy, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) recently held a constructive meeting with His Excellency Jing Quan, the newly appointed Ambaassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines.
Led by FFCCCII President Victor Lim, the dialogue reinforced the private sector’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Philippine government’s strategic goal of enhancing bilateral relations. This engagement is particularly timely as the Philippines prepares to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit, a pivotal event for regional and global dialogue.
Heeding the Presidential Mandate for Partnership
The meeting manifested a direct response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s mandate to the Federation. During the oath-taking of its 265 newly elected officers in June 2025, President Marcos highlighted the organization’s unique role as a bridge for international partnership.
“You are uniquely positioned to help deepen our international partnerships, particularly, of course, with China. Stronger ties mean better trade, greater investments, and enhanced collaboration,” the President stated. He urged the business leaders to “showcase the Philippines as a dependable partner for economic growth” and assured them that “this government stands with you.”
An Action-Oriented Agenda for Balanced Growth
Building on this directive, the FFCCCII presented a concrete action plan to Ambassador Jing, focusing on creating more balanced and mutually beneficial exchanges. The federation’s initiatives are strategically designed to address economic realities, including the significant trade deficit with China, by unlocking new opportunities for Philippine exporters and service providers.
The FFCCCII’s key pledges to promote bilateral cooperation include:
· Expanding Philippine Exports to China: Actively promoting Philippine products by hosting business forums and supporting local entrepreneurs to participate in major Chinese import fairs, such as the China International Import Expo in Shanghai and the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning.
· Boosting Two-Way Tourism: Leveraging China’s status as the world’s largest tourism market to increase tourist arrivals. The FFCCCII will promote greater cultural understanding to position the Philippines as a premier destination for Chinese travelers.
· Championing MSMEs: Answering President Marcos’s call to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises as crucial drivers for inclusive economic growth.
· Hosting a Landmark Summit: Pledging to host the 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit in Manila next October. This commitment follows the successful inaugural summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last October, which recognized Thailand’s Dhanin Chearavanont of the Charoen Pokphand Group as the ASEAN Chinese Business Leader of 2025. The 2026 event will be a cornerstone of commemorative activities for the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
A Forward-Look of Cooperation Amidst Complexity
The business federation’s engagement reflects a broader consensus on sustaining positive momentum in the multifaceted Philippines-China relationship. This drive for stronger regional economic integration carries greater urgency than ever, as global protectionist trends underscore the critical need for robust trade and business ties within ASEAN and with China.
This sentiment was echoed by President Marcos when he received Ambassador Jing’s credentials, describing China as “one of the Philippines’ most important friends and partners in the world.” In his remarks, the President expressed optimism: “I’m sure that there will be many opportunities for us to make the relationship between our two countries stronger, deeper and more important as the years go by.” He looked forward to “managing the differences and intensifying the cooperation,” emphasizing that disagreements should not define the extensive diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
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