DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo has cited Zamboanga City as a very important part of the business community in the Philippines given its diverse potentials.
Manalo, designated as the overall head of Philippine delegation, said it is part of the reason why the city was featured as the country’s “City of Charm” in the just-concluded 12th China-ASEAN Exposition (Caexpo) held from Sept. 18 to 21 in Nanning, China.
“Zamboanga is one city in the southern part of Mindanao that we would like to promote. We would like to show to the whole world and Asia that Zamboanga is open for business,” Manalo said.
He lauded as well the delegation headed by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar to China, who are mostly local businessmen for their efforts in promoting this city’s trade, tourism and investment potentials during the Caexpo through the exhibit and in the various promotional conferences held that included business matching activities.
“Congratulations to the delegation, the delegation is so solid and one in their aspiration to promote Zamboanga to the whole world and Asia,” he added.
Manalo stressed the formal signing of the LOI is one platform that will promote and accelerate exchanges between this city and China that spur progress and development.
The Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, Zamboanga Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Los Contratistas de Zamboanga, and other local exhibitors such as Sotto delicacies, EJT Food products, Universal Canning Corporation and Mega sardines are one with the local government in promoting this city.
Caexpo held every year in Nanning, China stands out from other trade fairs and bears the missions of consolidating the friendly relationships between China and Asean, accelerating the China-Asean Free Trade Agreement and promoting cooperation between both sides in various fields.