ZHANGZHOU, China — Two Chinese manufacturers specializing in timepieces and food products are looking to expand their presence in the Philippines, citing growing business opportunities and the country’s potential as an emerging market in Southeast Asia.
Zhangzhou Hengli Electronic Co., Ltd., a major manufacturer of clocks, watches and intelligent electronic products, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) to explore possible investment projects within the economic zone.
Company chief executive officer Shao Yueming said the agreement marks an initial step toward establishing a stronger business presence in the Philippines, although specific investment plans and implementation schedules have yet to be finalized.
“While we already sell our products to the Philippines, the actual investment project hasn’t started yet,” Shao said through an interpreter during the Philippines-China Media Tour of the company’s manufacturing facility and horology museum last week.
He explained that further discussions are needed before the company can determine the scope and timeline of its proposed investment.
Shao described the potential partnership with AFAB as an opportunity to expand the company’s market reach while contributing to local economic activity and employment.
“We consider it a complementary advantage. For Hengli, we have high-quality products so it is an opportunity for us to better enter the Philippine market through the freeport,” he said.
The company specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, distribution and brand management of timepieces and smart electronic products.
Shao expressed optimism about the growth prospects of the Philippine and Southeast Asian markets, particularly with increasing demand among younger consumers and the continued expansion of digital commerce.
“I have good confidence about the future, especially since Southeast Asia is an emerging market (where) young people will choose those clocks,” he said.
He added that the growth of e-commerce and cross-border trade has made Chinese-manufactured products more accessible to international consumers.
Meanwhile, Chinese food manufacturer Ranli Food Group Co., Ltd. is also pursuing opportunities to increase its market share in the Philippines by expanding distribution channels and establishing additional business partnerships.
Ranli marketing director Lan Shaowei said the company already exports products to the Philippines but intends to strengthen its presence by reaching more Filipino consumers.
“We have sold (our) products to (the Philippines), and the next step is we want to sell more products so we would like to expand our (market share) to better sell our products (there),” Lan said through an interpreter during a media tour of the company’s production facility.
Although Ranli already works with Philippine sellers and distributors, Lan said the company is seeking additional local partners to support its expansion plans.
The food manufacturer is considering a broader distribution strategy covering retail establishments, traditional markets, convenience stores and online shopping platforms.
“We (are trying) to create different channels for us to enter the Philippine market, [such as retail] shops, [traditional] markets, convenience stores, and other (outlets), including e-commerce,” Lan said.
The expansion plans of both companies highlight their interest in strengthening commercial ties with the Philippines through potential investments, new partnerships and wider product distribution.
While Hengli’s proposed investment remains in the exploratory stage, both manufacturers are seeking to capitalize on opportunities in the Philippine consumer market.
