Chinese consulate in Davao eyed

CHINA is looking into the possibility of putting up a consulate in Davao City in a bid to further stimulate more economic and trade activities and expedite the transactions of the growing number of Chinese nationals in the city.

"When I asked the Chinese Embassy if there is any future for the Chinese Consulate to open here in Davao City, they said that they will likely open their Chinese Consulate," Representative Jericho Nograles said during the Kapihan sa Apo View Hotel yesterday.

He said the abandoned house located in front of Sta. Ana church is the old Chinese Consulate which is still the

property of China and is being eyed to be reopened in a still undetermined date.

"China is having a hard time keeping their growth. They are afraid of experiencing negative growth and that is the reason why China is looking for the Philippines for additional investments," he said.

He added that China has appointed a new Consul General to be assigned both in Cebu and in Davao since Davao belongs to the consular district of Cebu.

A consular Office is tasked to assist legal transactions such as processing of visa application and uphold the protection of their nationals.

In October last year, President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping forged a joint agreement which states that the Philippines positively responded to the creation of People's Republic of China (PRC) Consulate in Davao City.

"The Philippines welcomes China's proposal to open a Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Davao in due course," the press statement said.

"Proper arrangements for the diplomatic premises in both countries will be made in the spirit of the 1975 Joint Communiqué, on the basis of international practice and reciprocity, with priority for the most immediate concerns," it added.