Monday, January 15, 2007 RP, China to fortify economic ties
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting Chinese Premiere Wen Jiabao are expected to discuss efforts that would deepen the cooperation and ties of the two countries, including the opening up of more economic opportunities during a one-one meeting Monday night.
Premiere Wen, who earlier arrived in Cebu for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) Summit, would have a two-day state visit to the Philippines from January 15 to 16.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said President Arroyo believes that both the Philippines and China should push to deepen the existing cooperation between the two countries and the Chinese Premier's visit comes at a time when regional development in Asia is at its peek.
Bunye said the President also believes that the Philippines and China should also "finish the negotiations and implement the RP-China Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Framework to continue to open up economic opportunities between our two nations".
"China should also look at the Philippines as a destination for even greater Chinese foreign investment, particularly in the areas of mining, infrastructure, development, agriculture and fisheries, as well as housing. We would like to see more investment from China in the Philippines and are hopeful that is coming," he said.
Wen is expected to arrive in Manila at 4:30 p.m. Monday and proceed to Malacañang for a formal welcome ceremony at 6:20 p.m. followed by the signing of the Presidential guest book at 6:35 p.m.
The two leaders would then have a 20-minute meeting at 6:40 p.m. followed by an expanded bilateral meeting at 7 p.m. and the witnessing of the signing of bilateral agreements and memorandum of understandings at 7:45 p.m.
A state dinner in honor of the Chinese leader would be hosted by Arroyo in Malacañang at 8:15 p.m.
Wen would be offering a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Manila at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday followed by a one-hour Agri-Exchange meeting and the courtesy call of Philippine Senate President Manuel Villar, both to be held at the Century Park-Sheraton Hotel.
The Chinese leader would also have a 45-minute meeting with the Chinese community in the country, including embassy officials, Chinese students and other members of Filipino-Chinese community, followed by the courtesy call of Philippine House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. at the Manila Hotel
De Venecia would also host a lunch for Wen before he leaves for China at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. (JMR/Sunnex)
