Sunday, May 11, 2008 Chinese firm plans to build seafood shop
A MULTI-billion foreign firm plans to put up a meat and seafood processing depot in Cebu’s fourth district, Rep.Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu,4th district) said yesterday.
He said representatives from China-based Tah Chong Holdings Ltd., led by its executive director Arthur Tsoi, visited his district and did an exploratory study on the area’s meat and seafood supply and capacity.
Tah Chong Holdings is one of the largest meat and fish suppliers in China, said Salimbangon.
The Chinese investors recently paid a courtesy visit to the office of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
The foreign investors were briefed about the status of several seaports in the fourth district and the volume of fish and meat in the area.
Exploratory
Salimbangon is hopeful. But he admitted that “nothing is definite yet,” although the exploratory study by the Chinese investors is ongoing.
“This will eventually generate more jobs for our constituents in the fourth district,” Salimbangon told Sun.Star Cebu.
The Chinese businessmen, who already flew back to their country after few days of exploratory study, will consolidate their findings before drafting a report on whether the project is viable.
Abundance
Salimbangon said the foreign investors were convinced about the abundance of meat and seafood in his district and are likely to come back to invest in the Province.
Asked how he explained to the Chinese investors the rampant illegal fishing in the municipal waters of the district, Salimbangon said he assured the Chinese nationals that his office is working hard in addressing that problem.
Recently, Salimbangon expressed concern over the widespread illegal fishing off the municipal waters in his district.
Salimbangon said his office allocated P5 million as financial assistance to curb the problem.
Of the amount, P2 million goes to the procurement of two hi-patrol boats that will run after illegal fishers. (GMD)
