The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) called for visa-free entry for Chinese nationals.
FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro made the proposal during the 2024 Manila Forum for Philippines-China Relations: Exploring the Opportunities with Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Aug. 21, 2024.
Pedro cited Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand as examples of countries that have successfully attracted more tourists by eliminating visa requirements for short stays.
He said that as China’s economic growth slows and western companies withdraw from the Chinese market, the Philippines stands to benefit by attracting these investments.
The forum, which focused on enhancing economic ties between the Philippines and the Hong Kong-Macao-Guangdong Greater Bay Area, was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy, FFCCCII, the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Association for Philippines China Understanding (APCU), and the Hong Kong Macau Guangdong Entrepreneurs Alliance.
The FFCCCII also proposed the creation of a Greater Manila Bay Area linking Bataan and Cavite with new infrastructure. Pedro believes this could attract more investments and advanced technologies to the Philippines.
Creating a Greater Manila Bay Area would enhance cooperation with China’s Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong, he said.
The FFCCCII views it as a chance to boost economic growth, create jobs, and support the Philippine government’s Luzon economic corridor, which is backed by the United States and Japan.
Pedro said increased investment would lead to more job opportunities in the Philippines.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the Greater Bay Area is a new opportunity for the development of China and the world.
“We sincerely hope that you may join hands with us, seize the opportunities of the times, and embrace the future characterized by openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit,” he said.
Chinese General Chamber of Commerce-Hong Kong chairman Jonathan Choi Koon-shum said it is a great chance for the Philippines to use the GBA’s success to build an active economic zone that boosts innovation, trade, and investment.
Secretary Larry Gadon, presidential adviser on poverty alleviation, stressed the role of Filipino-Chinese business groups in generating business opportunities and jobs. He said poverty alleviation relies heavily on job creation and suggested that expanding trade and manufacturing could address the current trade imbalance between China and the Philippines.
“Expanding business activities in the Greater Bay Area presents a unique opportunity,” Gadon said. “With China’s large market of 1.3 billion people, increasing trade could lead to more jobs and better poverty alleviation,” he said.
