Tuesday, September 11, 2007 ZTE deal not tackled by RP, China in Apec: DTI exec By Carlo P. Mallo
THE controversial and much talked about $329 million ZTE broadband deal was not part of the focal points discussed between the delegation of the Philippines and China in their one-on-one talk during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit over the weekend in Sydney, Australia.
According to Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila, most of the talks delved on possible priority projects between the two countries for next year.
Favila said China and the Philippines discussed how to enhance the effectivity of bilateral efforts between the two countries.
"Nothing specific has been discussed," Favila added.
Favila was in Davao City Monday after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo decided to make a stopover in the city before flying back to Metro Manila upon her return from Sydney, Australia where she attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Arroyo said one of the things they talked about was the commitment of China and the Philippines to further enhance economic development and cooperation though she did not elaborate further.
The ZTE broadband deal between the Philippine government and a Chinese information and technology firm has been in the hot seat after it's contract suddenly disappeared into thin air. The deal has also been dubbed as overpriced and has even dragged into the controversy the name of Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos.
Both the Senate and the House have called for an investigation into the alleged dubious broadband deal. Moreover, the Chinese government has already expressed in news reports that it may investigate the allegations of anomaly in the multi-million dollar deal.
