On March 13th, the First Sino-Philippine "One Belt, One Road" Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held in Davao, Philippines. The forum was co-hosted by the Silk Road Cities Alliance (SRCA), Silk Road Small and Medium Enterprises Development Alliance (SMEDA), Davao City Government, and the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCCII). With the co-organization by the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre (SCMC) and the Integrated Bar of Philippines (IBP). In attendance were representatives of state-owned and private enterprises and professional service agencies from China's Beijing, Yangtze River Delta, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Hubei provinces, officials from the Economic and Trade Investment Department of Philippines, company representatives, chambers of commerce, professional service agencies, economic development zone managements and more than 200 delegates. The forum also celebrated the 81st anniversary of the establishment of Davao City.
During the forum, representatives from China and Philippines conducted extensive discussions on cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, health, culture and tourism, where participating companies and professional organizations signed cooperation agreements. The Chinese business delegation also visited Davao, Manila, Subic Bay Economic Zone, Clark Freeport and other areas to learn about the business environment. Searching for potential opportunities in cooperation, and to establish contacts with relevant local enterprises and economic and trade investment authorities.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Antonio T. Dela Cruz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industries, made a welcoming speech. Emphasizing the location as the granary of Philippines, with rich natural resources and a pleasant climate. Also referring to the stability of the society and the abundant human resources that appeal to Chinese entrepreneurs.
In the speech held by the head of the Chinese business delegation and Deputy Secretary-General of the Silk Road Cities Alliance, Mr. Du Minghao, stated that in the recent years, Sino-Philippine relations have enjoyed both political and economic growth with continuing improvements. The involvement of Philippines in the Belt and Road Initiative, generates a powerful impetus for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Secretary-General of SRCA Mr. Du Minghao holding a speech
As the co-hosts of the Forum SRCA and SMEDA emphasized cooperation between China and Philippines in various fields, including economic and trade investment, cultural tourism, health and wellness, youth exchange, and professional services.
The two Alliances will actively integrate relevant social resources, create cooperation platforms, and provide channels for business docking, policy consulting, project planning and implementation. This is to promote mutual understanding between relevant parties, and explore new areas and models of cooperation. Essentially, helping the Chinese and Philippine sectors build and share the mutual benefits of the Belt and Road.
The Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industries president, Mr. Arturo Milan, praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative in his speech. Stating that the initiative will help to promote the win-win bilateral relations, and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Arturo Milan (President of the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industries) holding a speech
Since the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines has actively encouraged foreign investment, created investment opportunities, improved the quality of life, and enhanced the competitiveness of Manila and its other cities. Mr. Duterte hopes that the forum is just the beginning of a stronger cooperation with Chinese investors.
Mr. Lemuel G. Ortonio (Davao City Investment Promotion Centre)
Atty. Charizma Cortez-Catague, Treasurer of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Davao Chapter
Hon Bernard Al-Ag (Vice Mayor of Davao City LGU) holding a speech
With the ongoing development of the global economy and the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, China and Philippines are forming a comprehensive economic and trade cooperation. Consequently, this may increase trade disputes between the two countries. For this reason, the forum facilitated a signing of the “Memorandum of understanding on China-Philippine Trade Dispute Mediation Centre”, between the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre (SCMC) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Davao Chapter. The agreement will work in the spheres of Sino-Philippine international trade and investment, financial cooperation, securities trading, intellectual property, technology transfer, real estate investment, contracted projects, international transportation and insurance. The centre will provide independent, fair, professional and efficient mediation services in commercial disputes between Chinese and Philippine companies and institutions. Primarily, maintaining stable and lasting commercial relations.
Director of the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre Mr. Zhang Wei holding a speech
President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Davao Chapter Atty. Rogelio Largo giving a speech
Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre (SCMC) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Davao Chapter signing the “Memorandum of understanding on China-Philippine Trade Dispute Mediation Centre”
In order to promote the construction of smart cities, and use of science and technology for the improvement of urban management, Xindongwang Technology Co., Ltd. and the Davao International Electronic Commerce Centre signed a "Memorandum of Understanding on the Construction of Smart Cities in Davao and their Operation Strategies".
Xindongwang Technology Co., Ltd. and the Davao International Electronic Commerce Centre signing the "Memorandum of Understanding on the Construction of Smart Cities in Davao and their Operation Strategies"
During the forum, Mr. Du Minghao requested the Davao Deputy Mayor Mr. Bernard Al-Ag to present the Davao city Hon. Mayor Ms. Sara Z. Duterte a gift from SRCA, a painting of SRCA’s culture ambassador Mr. Li Mingquan.
During the afternoon session, entrepreneurs from the Chinese business delegation introduced their products and technologies. Expressing their hope for future cooperation with their counterparts in Philippines.
The forum was closed with the Philippines’ music and dance performance.
