Trade is best way to promote progress, peace — FFCCCII
Amid escalating territorial dispute, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), which groups over 170 Filipino-chinese business chambers nationwide, emphasized that trade and commerce is the best way to promote peace and progress between the Philippines and China.
Cecilio K. Pedro, FFCCCII president, pointed this out in a speech during a press conference Tuesday, March 26, for the annual China Import and Export Fair or Canton Fair to be held in Guangzhou City on April 15 to May 5 this year.
made the call amid recent news headlines casting shadows of discord between the two countries over the disputed West Philippine Sea.
“In our interconnected world, where prosperity and peace are intertwined through economic vitality, trade emerges as a potent force for fostering dialogue, understanding, and lasting friendships between nations,” said Pedro.
With that, Pedro urged businesses to nurture the sustained growth of mutually enriching trade between the Philippines and China by participating in the upcoming global trade fair.
“Let us not be deterred from the overarching narrative of progress and unity between our two neighboring countries,” he said.
Over the past eight years, China has emerged as the Philippines' biggest trade partner, signaling the resilience of economic ties amid global complexities.
From the export of Mindanao's bananas and durian fruits to renewable energy technology joint ventures and many other new opportunities, Pedro said “the potential for growth knows no bounds, heralding a future brimming with economic promise.”
Pedro believes that that trade fairs such as the Canton Trade Fair serve as bridge for regional stability.
“The success of the Canton Trade Fair not only promises to invigorate economic progress across our Asian region, including our country the Philippines, but it also serves as a cornerstone for regional stability and cooperation,” he said.
"Let us draw inspiration from the rich tradition of over a thousand years of vibrant bilateral trade and cultural exchange, a testament to the endurance of our shared heritage. As entrepreneurs, professionals, and advocates of peace, it is incumbent upon us to proactively nurture and strengthen this legacy of friendship through our steadfast commitment to expanding Philippines-china bilateral trade and economic cooperation,” he concluded.