WITH the inauguration of the Chinese consulate office in Davao City, more business developments and partnerships will be made between Davao City and China, a foreign minister said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said having the Chinese consulate in Davao City will be a good platform in increasing economic activities in southern Philippines.

“Setting up a consular general in Davao reflects the deepening friendship between China and the Philippines, and serves the all-round roles of our cooperation. Our two countries have been friendly neighbors in millennia,” Wang Yi said during the inauguration ceremony.

Wang Yi added developments in the agricultural sector between China and Davao will continue with the opening of the consulate office.

“Davao accounts for 40 percent of China’s tropical fruit imports from the Philippines,” Wang Yi added.

The Chinese foreign minister also said Davao City will be entering business ventures with China.

“Davao has a partnership with Nanning, capital of China’s Guangxi province. In (Davao City) Mayor Sara’s (Duterte) visit to China next month, a partnership agreement will be signed between Davao and Jinjiang cities, a new friend and partner of Davao in China,” Wang Yi said.

“We are not just opening a consulate general but also demonstrating our strong cooperation between China and the Philippines. Let us work together in the spirit of bayanihan, take bilateral relations to new heights, and deliver great benefits for our two people,” Wang Yi added.

Davao City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag said in his speech during the inauguration that this Chinese consulate in Davao will help boost economic development and progress for both Davao city and China.