FFCCCII welcomes new China envoy; sees room for better Sino-PH relations
Federation continues to play role as “bridge for international partnership”
THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the country’s biggest business organization covering the Fil-Chinese community, paid a courtesy call last December 12 to China’s new envoy to the Philippines, HE Ambassador Jing Quan.
Led by its president, Victor Lim, the Federation expressed its “steadfast commitment” in supporting the Philippine government’s strategic goal of enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.
Lim noted their meeting with Amb. Jing is timely as the country assumes the chairmanship and hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit after the successful conclusion of the 2025 Summit in Kuala Lumpur last October.
Lim said they bring with them President Marcos’ recognition of the Federation’s role as a “bridge for international partnership” when he swore into office the FFCCIII’s 265 new set of officers last June.
“You are uniquely positioned to help deepen our international partnerships, particularly, of course, with China.
“Stronger ties mean better trade, greater investments, and enhanced collaboration,” the President said back then.
He also urged the business leaders to “showcase the Philippines as a dependable partner for economic growth” and assured them that “this government stands with you.”
An Action-Oriented Agenda for Balanced Growth
Lim said they presented Amb. Jing with a “concrete action plan” focused on “creating more balanced and mutually beneficial exchanges.”
The initiatives are strategically designed to address economic realities, including the significant trade deficit with China, by unlocking new opportunities for Philippine exporters and service providers.
Along this line, Lim said the Federation pledges to promote Philippine products by hosting business forums and supporting local entrepreneurs to participate in major Chinese import fairs, such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai and the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning.
He added their group would also promote “greater cultural understanding to position the Philippines as a premier destination for Chinese travelers” as China remains the world’s largest tourism market.
China’s annual imports total over $15 trillion while an estimated 150 million Chinese travel each year as tourists.
Lim said they are also ready to answer President Marcos’ call to “empower” MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) as crucial drivers for inclusive economic growth.
greater cultural understanding to position the Philippines as a premier destination for Chinese travelers.
Hosting the 2026 ASEAN Business Leaders’ Summit
Lim also told Amb. Jing that the Federation is committed the host the 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders’ Summit in Manila next October.
This commitment follows the successful inaugural summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last October, which recognized Thailand’s Dhanin Chearavanont of the Charoen Pokphand Group as the ASEAN Chinese Business Leader of 2025.
The 2026 event would also serve as the “cornerstone” of commemorative activities for the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Lim added,
The Federation also expressed optimism in President Marcos’ positive words to Amb. Jing during his presentation of credentials in Malacañang last December 11.
The Federation noted that China remains as one of the Philippines’ most important friends and partners, according to the Chief Executive.
Despite the present sorry state of the country’s relationship with China after President Marcos decided to align the country back to the camp of the United States, he also told Amb. Jing that the two countries’ disagreements should not define the extensive diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations (see related story).
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