Cebu and China’s Fujian Province explore business, tourism ties

A DELEGATION of about 40 businessmen and government officials from Fujian Province, China recently visited Cebu and met with local officials to explore potential economic and cultural cooperation. “Fujian-Cebu cooperation in the field of economy, trade, tourism, culture, and education will make better contribution and become a highlight for a friendly cooperation between China and the Philippines,” Liang Jianyong, head of the delegation and secretary general of Communist Party of China in Fujian, is quoted in a statement released by the Cebu provincial government. Mr. Jianyong also encouraged Cebu’s tourism officials to hold promotional activities in Fujian to introduce Cebu as a destination. The Cebu Investment and Promotions Office, meanwhile, organized a business matching and networking activity between Cebu entrepreneurs and Fujian businessmen. “If we don’t make business with Cebu, it is our loss,” Mr. Jianyong told Cebu officials through his interpreter. The wife of Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III, Jobel AnganDavide, who led in welcoming the Fujian delegation, noted the historical link between the Philippines and China. “At the heart of almost all progressive places in the Philippines is a major trading center we refer to as Chinatown, and Cebu we believe is one big Chinatown,” said Mrs. Davide in her welcome speech. She also announced that a Sugbo Chinese Heritage Museum is set to open next year, which will serve as a repository of relics that celebrates the long standing relationship of Cebu and China.