Beijing: The Philippines showcased its economic momentum with back-to-back participation in two of China's biggest international trade fairs -- China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing and the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen.
According to Philippines News Agency, at the opening of the Philippine Pavilion at CIFTIS on Sept. 11, Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz urged Chinese investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs to consider the Philippines as a prime destination for business. FlorCruz highlighted the Philippines as a resilient and globally competitive hub for services in Asia, emphasizing the nation's openness to business and partnership with China, its largest trading partner, in high-growth services and industries.
CIFTIS, co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing municipal government until Sept. 14, is dedicated to trade services. The Philippine Pavilion highlighted strengths in tourism and hospitality, digital services, health and wellness, creative industries, education, and professional services under the theme 'Thrive Together: Where Paradise Fuels Progress.' This initiative was organized by the Department of Tourism-Beijing and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Beijing.
FlorCruz noted the successes of many Chinese enterprises already thriving in the Philippines. He encouraged visitors to explore collaborations combining Chinese technology with Filipino service expertise, citing China's transformation of the Shougang Steel site as an example of innovation-driven growth. At the country forum, FiberHome Philippines CEO Johnny Jiang shared the company's experience in building telecom infrastructure in the Philippines, emphasizing its extensive service network and predominantly Filipino workforce.
Commercial Counsellor Glenn Pe±aranda stressed the potential to expand trade and investment ties with China, especially in services and digital infrastructure. He pointed out the Philippines' young, creative, and tech-savvy workforce as a significant asset for driving growth in the IT sector. Tourism Attach© Ireneo Reyes promoted the Philippines' island destinations, highlighting opportunities for resorts, leisure facilities, and sustainable ventures, while emphasizing the country's unique cultural heritage and world-class English proficiency.
Visitors at the pavilion were treated to Philippine coffee and local fruits, cultural performances, and interactive trivia games, underscoring the country's dual role as a global tourism draw and a strategic services hub. Additionally, the Philippines participated in CIFIT from Sept. 8 to 11, where its booth highlighted manufacturing opportunities, industrial hubs, and ecozone prospects. CIFIT, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Fujian Provincial People's Government, serves as China's flagship platform for investment promotion.
FlorCruz stated that the Philippines' strong showing in both CIFTIS and CIFIT reflects consistency and resolve in the government's drive to position the country as a premier destination for Chinese trade and investment.
